[Nogrod]

In one of the most anticipated games of the third round of friendlies, the Barrow-Downs took on their guest - the flaring Gondolin team - at their home venue late on Thursday evening. And what a game it was!

From the very beginning it was clear it was not going to be a walk in the park for the Gondolin team. Quite the contrary. It was not only the home-audience who thought that the Downers’ leading goal in the end of the first period was well earned indeed. The ‘Downs just outwitted, outran and outplayed their opponents with wit and pure willpower on the first period. Maybe the Gondolin team was not ready for the game, didn’t anticipate such an intensive play from the hometeam, or they had had a big party the previous evening, but whatever it was they were on the receiving side for the first 45 minutes.

Gondolin came to the second period with new energy-levels and took the control of the game finally leading to a well deserved equaliser about halfway to the period. After the Gondolin equaliser it seemed for a while both teams were content with the draw and the intensity of the game fell considerably.

But the phantom and Fea had decided otherwise. The AKM had noted that the two had been invisible thus far. Whether that comment had spiced them up or not, they surely weren’t invisible in this game. After a stunning display of cunning and sheer virtuosity the two outplayed the whole Gondolin defence and finally got face to face with Huor. Talk about crowd-pleasers!

The result should give a lot of food for thought to any phantasy-league player indeed.


Barrow-Downs 2-1 Gondolin
tot shots 14-15
on target 7-7
GOALS:
*38, 1-0 Nogrod (Phantom)
*64, 1-1 Maeglin (Aredhel)
*82, 2-1 Phantom (Fea)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barrow-Downs- Gwath, Wilwa
*Gondolin- Salgant, Fingolfin

In another spectator-friendly game Barad-Dûr Took an early two goal lead and then more or less concentrated on dribbling and nice tricks, giving Smaug a chance to capitalise and bring the Dale team even. Seeing the game was not over yet, Sauron beat his team to claim the victory with some very beautiful football.

To those who had suspected his inspiration to play with Sauron (AKM included) Elendil sent a clear message with his two goals. It seems Barad-Dûr is gearing up – just like a team where Sauron is involved would do.

On other games Aman took a a win over Minas Anor but in no way was it a convincing performance. Aman will most probably qualify from their group but not because of the flare of their game but because of the low quality of their opponents. Minas Anor on the other hand will be in deep trouble in their own group unless a miracle takes place…

The game between Beleriand and Rivendell was plain boring "kicking of the ball" around the field for ninety minutes. With these performances both teams are heading for an early relegation. Sad to say that, but it is true.

Barad-Dûr 4-2 Dale
tot shots 20-9
on target 11-5
GOALS:
*8, 1-0 Elendil (Nazgul #6)
*19, 2-0 Fellbeast (Nazgul #7)
*40, 2-1 Smaug (Thranduil)
*53, 2-2 Smaug (Girion)
*65, 3-2 Sauron (Gil-galad)
*81, 4-2 Elendil (Nazgul #7)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Barad-Dur- Anarion, Isildur
*Dale- Nain, Carc, Moneybags

Aman 1-0 Minas Anor
tot shots 10-9
on target 5-3
GOALS:
*67, 1-0 Orome (Earwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Aman- Nahar, Vaire
*Minas Anor- Nazgul #4, Calimehtar, Falastur

Beleriand 0-1 Rivendell
tot shots 7-9
on target 3-4
GOALS:
*57, 0-1 Boromir II (Arwen)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Beleriand- Magor, Mim, Manthor
*Rivendell- Arahael, Celebrian