Next up we have Gondolin taking on Wooton Major, much like Nargothrond vs. Niggle's Parish, Gondolin will be considered firm favorites to win this. However so far, the favorites haven't done too well. Let's see how this one goes. The next game, Doriath vs. Arnor should be an exciting game as both teams have very attacking line ups and very skilled players. Then again, The Shire vs. Lothlorien should have been a good match too...
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Group F
Gondolin 2 - 1 Wooton Major
(Turgon 55th, Hurin 90+1) (Fairy Queen 4th)
Gondolin got off to a horrible start with
Ulmo being forced to conede a corner almost immediatly.
Fairy Queen converted after
Ned sent in a brilliant outswinging corner. Surprisingly, despite Gondolin's attempts to equalize, Wooton Major went in ahead at half time.
Luckily for Gondolin, in the second half their attacks actually began to look threatening. They finally managed to get a goal in after a poor clearnace by Wooton Major landed at
Turgon's feet. The midfielder turned past a defender and burst into the area, neatly tucking the ball away before anybody had any time to realize what was going on.
After scoring Gondolin began to increase the tempo, trying to undo the Wooton defence and score again. Unfortunately for them their aim was horrible and they wound up shooting all around the goal. Gondolin were saved blushes right at the death when
Glorfindel's aimless cross blitzed through a crowd in the box and found it's way to
Hurin at the edge of the area who volleyed in an excellent goal.
Shots: 11(4) - 3(1)
Posession: 57 - 43
Group H
Doriath 1 - 0 Arnor
(Mablung 43rd)
This match started off in quite a boring fashion. Both teams started off cautiously, expecting an oppurtunity to be given to them rather than try and make one themselves. This did work out for Doriath eventually. When careless marking by Arnor let
Eol sneak past and blast in a shot that bounced off the crossbar.
Mablung was ready and waiting though and pounced on the rebound to give Doriath the lead. Unfortunately for them, moments after the goal
Huan was shown a yellow card for a rather dogged tackle.
The second half was a disaster! Arnor began to play rough and muscle about their opponents who in turn began to hit back. Harsh tackles flew about as did the cards. The second half barely had any actual football played. It seemed to be a game of the American version instead. It was rather disgusting.
Daeron and
Saros from Doriath were booked while
Halbard,
Elendil,
Argeleb and
Isildur were all shown yellow cards in a very poor second half.
Shots: 9(1) - 1(0)
Posession: 52 - 48
Bookings: Huan, Daeron, Saros - Halbard, Elendil, Argeleb, Isildur
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Gondolin just barely edged out Niggle's Parish who put on a decent performance for their first game. I am very, very disgusted by the way Doriath and Arnor played and strongly feel both teams should be punished. I would not expect such kind of play from orcs or goblins even.