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Group H at Dol Guldur

From their flet in Caras Galadhon Galadriel and Celeborn had begun to worry. Ever since Dol Guldur was granted the privilege to host group H of the Arda Cup a dark, misty Shadow had covered the hill in Southern Mirkwood across the great river. It was well known that that the Witch-King himself was present and the wise feared that the chief Nazgul was up to no good, despite fervent promises to the contrary. But at the day of the premiere, the Shadow lifted. And behold! now the naked hill once known as Amon Lanc was clean and fair again; and what more, the great gate of the stronghold was wide open and garlanded with flowers, the area surrounding the area was full of newly planted trees and fragrant, blossoming bushes and all the instruments of torture and mutilation were put away deep in hidden dungeons. The Witch-King needed to show some good will to get this chance, and the changes he enforced at this former Tower of Darkness – no doubt diametrically opposed to his personal preferences - is a testament to just how important this is for the Chief-Nazgul.

This untested Dol Guldur side was in for a challenge to advance from this very tough group, host though they were. Here was Tirion, one of the favourites to win the entire tournament, a side filled to the brim with legendary names such as Feanor of the Fiery Boot, Miriel and the highly revered Aule the Maker between the posts. Here was also another strong and predominantly Elvish team from the western Havens, well capable of beating anyone on a good day. Also present was the Tower of Guard, now under its old name, Minas Anor who sensationally had managed to sign one of the Nazgul right in front of the Witch-king’s nose or lack of.

Match 1: Havens vs Minas Anor
For the first match of the evening, Minas Anor, came out determined to prove they were no pushovers in this tough group. During the first half they worked harder than Mordorian Orcs under the whip and ran like Duracell bunnies on MDMA. The energetic Pippin was magnificent at left back and Minas Anor managed to contain the Seafarers from the West rather well until Tar Minastirs well struck shot from distance slipped inside Ecthelion’s right hand post. After that break-through goal the quality of the Havens started to wear down the resistance of the Tower of Guard. Minas Anor was struggling to get a hold of the ball and before they knew what hit them they were three goals down. Falastur managed to grab a consolation goal late in the game but Minas Anor was well beaten by a better side tonight.

Havens 3-1 Minas Anor
tot shots 16-9
on target 8-4
GOALS:
*32, 1-0 Tar Minastir (Cirdan)
*55, 2-0 Eärendil (Tar Minastir)
*68, 3-0 Tar Minastir (Elwing)
*84, 3-1 Falastur (Earnil II)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Havens- Ar Gimilzor, Uinen
*Minas Anor- Earnil II, Calimehtar


Match 2: Dol Guldur vs Tirion
The Dol Guldur faithful had been waiting for this moment with mixed feelings. On a positive note was the joy that the tournament finally had begun. Then again there was the anxiety of facing their mighty opponents from the far West, their most feared rivals, the proud and sublimely skilled Noldor of Tirion. But if the Dol Guldur players were afraid, their black captain showed no sign of it as he entered the stadium on his huge, black stallion, followed by the rest his multi-racial team. A Shadow once again fell on Amon Lanc, but it was quickly dispersed by a fresh breeze as Feanor and company came onto the pitch.

This match had been hyped up for long, but not even the dreamiest supporter could have hoped for a better game of football. The pace was breathtaking, the passing top-notch, the tackles hard but fair and both teams focused on the offensive side of the game. To the delight of the crowd Dol Guldur took an early lead as Bolg followed up on a rebound and toe-poked the ball past a stranded Aule. But Tirion lost none of its concentration and came roaring back with some fantastic attacking football and two well-worked goals. Most neutrals thought Dol Guldur was done in now, but a great goal by the Witch-King himself early in the second half brought the stadium to a boiling point. Throughout the rest of the match the two teams went at each other with a relish, exchanging chance after chance. This was to be Tirion’s match though, much thanks to nimble Miriel’s sharpness in the area and a couple of good saves from Aule. Set up by her beloved son Feanor she scored her second goal of the night to make it 3-2, and with 20 minutes to go she silenced the crowd by weaving her way into the penalty area and teeing up Nerdanel for an easy finish. For Dol Guldur there was no coming back now. As desperation grew some of the players fell back to their bad old ways and Attercop was lucky not to be sent off after sneaking up on Miriel in an apparent attempt to ensnare and poison her. Dol Guldur fans may take heart from the performance of their team tonight though. Although they were second best, it wasn't by much, and this Tirion side is very good indeed.

Dol Guldur 2-4 Tirion
tot shots 15-20
on target 8-11
GOALS:
*5, 1-0 Bolg (Khamul)
*29, 1-1 Finwe (Ingwe)
*41, 1-2 Miriel (Nerdanel)
*50, 2-2 Witch King (Radagast)
*57, 2-3 Miriel (Feanor)
*71, 2-4 Nerdanel (Miriel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Dol Guldur- Attercop, Beorn, Tomnoddy
*Tirion- Amrod, Mahtan