[the phantom]

Mirkwood was abuzz with chatter about the Arda Cup. The host team would be playing that night, do or die, against a strong group from Arnor. A win and they were into the playoffs. A loss and they were done. And as many fans kept pointing out, a draw would be sufficient to advance, so Mirkwood held the edge.

But first there was another game to be played- Nargothrond against Helm's Deep. Helm Hammerhand and his boys had already been eliminated from contention, and Nargothrond was already assured a spot in the playoffs, but that didn't mean there was nothing to play for. A win or tie from Nargothrond would give them the top spot in the group, which would mean a chance to host their first round playoff game. And Helm's Deep had no intention of ending the tournament on an embarrassing note, so they would surely come to play.

The crowds for all the games had been excellent, but today's first game kicked off to a half empty stadium. The main crowds were obviously outside preparing themselves for the big one. But the folks who were in the stadium were treated to some defensive excellence from both sides. Long balls were won by the defense every time, and the penalty area and even the area just outside it was impenetrable.

Finally the offensive doldrums were broken in the 39th minute, not by a quality attack, but by a brilliant snipe from long distance. The keeper for Helm's Deep, Gram, handled a shot from Beren, and Nargothrond retreated upfield while he held it. He then strolled out a bit and boomed it away, but the ball was won by Glaurung just past midfield, and he sent it sideways left to Curufin to hold possession, and to the surprise of all Curufin boomed it high and to the right side without any hesitation, as he judged that Gram was slow getting back into goal. And indeed he was. Gram made a mad rush and jump back for it, but the ball snuck between his hand and the top post. It was surely one of the greatest shots the tournament would see!

During the second half quite a few Mirkwood fans began entering the stadium, and they were treated to a repeat of the first half- a defensive war. As time ran down it seemed Nargothrond had no intention of tiring themselves out, as they only needed a tie to clinch first place. Helm's Deep tried to take advantage, but Nargothrond was having none of it and kept the shut out. Helm's Deep would go home without a point, but at least an improved final performance to think about. Nargothrond on the other hand would host a first round playoff game after an undefeated run through their group.

Helm’s Deep 0-1 Nargothrond
shots 7-8
on target 2-4
GOALS:
*39, Nargothrond (Curufin, Glaurung)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Helm’s Deep- Brytta, Hama, Eomund
*Nargothrond- Gelmir, Arminas

The match of the night had arrived. It would be Arnor versus Mirkwood for the final spot in the playoffs, and the crowd was absolutely wired. Arnor made their way out to the sound of thunderous booing, but thankfully no weaponry of any sort came flying onto the field. And then came Mirkwood, and the booing changed to cheers, and the booming and patter of drums of all kinds filled the air.

As soon as the game started the crowd started all sorts of special cheers, but they were barely able to find their rhythm before their team truly gave them something to cheer about- a rocket by Scatha into the back of the net!

But for the next twenty minutes the match evened out and the crowd settled down a bit, and at the thirty minute mark they grew quieter still when Araphor found Valandur with a perfect pass across the box for the equalizer.

During the break the crowd energized again and greeted their team enthusiastically out of the locker rooms, and the lads on the field did not disappoint with Thranduil and Nazgul #6 playing a brilliant 1-2 game right up the center of the field for the early second half lead!

This goal was followed by a flurry of offense from Mirkwood trying to put the game away, but the feisty team from Arnor survived the onslaught and eventually gained a chance for a quick counter, which was finished off by the dangerous Araphor. There were twenty minutes left and it was tied again!

Arnor tried to keep their momentum going and ride the surge to a win, but the Mirkwood defenders tightened their games and held. Then just inside of fifteen minutes, Mirkwood started building the attack, and with under 10 left Fram redirected a ball from Scatha and Mirkwood was ahead again!

Knowing that their team only needed a tie and was leading with under ten minutes left, the crowd started drinking and singing and celebrating with all their might, and when the final second ticked off the clock the team ran up into the stands and joined their supporters in merrymaking! The home team would be going forward!

Arnor 2-3 Mirkwood
shots 8-14
on target 4-7
GOALS:
*8, Mirkwood (Scatha, Thranduil)
*30, Arnor (Valandur, Araphor)
*49, Mirkwood (Thranduil, Nazgul #6)
*67, Arnor (Araphor, Argeleb)
*81, Mirkwood (Fram, Scatha)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Arnor- Arantar, Eldacar
*Mirkwood- Radagast, Galion, Bilbo

FINAL STANDINGS GROUP B

----team------points---goal diff
Nargothrond.....9...........+3
Mirkwood.........6...........+3
Arnor...............3............-1
Helm's Deep.....0............-5