Here we are live and ready for the next set of games. First up we Numenor vs. Buckland and Tol In Gauroth vs. Misty Mountains. They should prove to be good games. Hopefully none will be lackluster like the snorefest that was Lothlorien vs. Shire. I had a chat with some of the folk from the Numenor team, they seem to be in high spirits for their game. Let's see how it pans out.
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Group C
Numenor 1 - 0 Buckland
(Tar Ancalime 70th)
It was a mildly entertaining first half which saw Nymenor control play. They managed to get in a fair amount of shots but their persistance did not lead to a goal unfortunately. Their finishing was poor and though they got the shot in it was never going to trouble anyone.
Early on in the second half it seemd that Numenor would rue their missed chances as Buckland almost, almost got a goal in but the shot from
Merry edged past the post. That was about the only look that Buckland got the entire game as Numenor then began to press forward, one wave of attack after another. Their defence standing their ground very well. Their was a momentary lapse in which a harsh tackle by
Tar Miriel earned him a yellow card but the resultant free kick was never going to trouble anyone.
Around the 70th minute a rash tackle by
Drogo earned him a yellow card and gave Numenor a free kick in a decent position. The free kick taken by
Amandil found it's way to
Tar Ancalime who blasted it into the back of the net. The Buckland defence will have to take the blame. They gave
Tar Ancalime way too much space.
Shots: 11(6) - 2(0)
Posession: 50 - 50
Bookings: Tar Miriel - Drogo
Group E
Tol In Gauroth 0 - 2
Misty Mountains
(Stone Giant 66th PK, Dwalin 80th)
The first half was a very even contest, with both teams seeing a lot of the ball and making good flowing moves. The passing by both teams was very accurate and smooth. The first good chance fell to Tol In Gauroth after
Hunter's cross was lobbed goalwards by
Lover only to be bravely deflected away by
Gollum. The next good chance came to Misty Mountains when
Dwalin blasted a goal bound rocket that was only prevented from entering the net by a very, very surprised
Cobbler. The first half ended even, which is a pity since both teams deserved at least a goal each.
Misty Mountains were in firm control throughout the second half.
Gwaihir managed to weave through defenders and make a shot which was punched out by the 'keeper for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared but only as far as
Bofur who played the ball in to
Dwailin who was about to turn but....
Cursed Villager with a tackle from behind! The whistle blows, everyone freezes. The referee points to the spot and shows
Cursed Villager the red card. PENALTY!
Stone Giant stepped up to the spot, shrugged his shoulders and blasted the ball in the back of the net. Advantage Misty Mountains.
Misty Mountains were in firm control of the game with a goal and a man advantage. They expressed this by increasing the tempo and playing more attacking football. This resulted in another goal for them in the 80th minute.
Gwaihir played in
Dwalin who rocketed the ball in the top right corner to put the game beyond doubt.
Shots: 5(3) - 8(7)
Posession: 40 - 60
Sent Off: Cursed Villager
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There we have it! Our first red card and first penalty of the tournament and it comes in just the 6th match. Controversial? Not at all. A tackle from behind like that is nothing but trouble and the referee was spot on with the decision.