(
intro to Gondolin)
MATCH 1: Angband versus Tol-in-Gaurhoth
As predicted, Angband took the field to great cheering from the stands. Their own fans obviously were loud, but the smaller groups of Hithlum and Dor-Lomin fans were supporting them as well, cheering especially for Hurin, while the folks from Gondolin were showing great love for Maeglin. Despite the evil that had taken place, he had done much good in his time, and nobody can hold a grudge against someone if they've delivered a championship in their time, as Maeglin had so many years ago.
When the Werewolves entered the fans from Angband booed vigorously, but the other non-TIG fans applauded politely for the most part. It was the least they could do as they would be hard against them the rest of the contest. But the noise from the booing and polite applause was completely drowned out by the sound of 25,000 ear-splitting howls. It was hard to believe how much noise their fans were capable of. Perhaps the home-field advantage that Angband hoped to enjoy wouldn't be quite as pronounced as they thought.
And indeed as the match began it was TIG who looked to be the better side. The forwards were looking dangerous, and Phantomwolf, Borowolf, and Lomwolf came up aggressively to provide extra pressure. Their passing still wasn't the sharpest, but their speed and strength helped them win the ball and keep it most of the time. Drauglin tried to match them, but even he couldn't keep up, and Telvildo seemed plain scared, like a cat treed by a dog. "I knew a cat wouldn't do well against wolves!" shouted Brinwolf from the stands. But she spoke too soon!
Shortly before it hit 30 minutes, TIG was looking dangerous as ever, but Telvildo came out of nowhere to make the steal and sent it quickly downfield, where Hurin outraced everyone to it. The defenders had had so little to do that they were completely flat-footed! Hurin took it in on Mormwolf who was left all alone, and he could only watch as the legendary footballer sent it past for the lead!
TIG went after it harder than ever, leaving Mormwolf completely vulnerable, but lucky for them they maintained control until minute 39 when Gwathwolf headed in the equalizer off of a nice placement by Nogwolf. It was tied at the half!
The fans chatted excitedly as they grabbed refreshments during the break. This was quite the game! Not only had Hurin scored, but TIG was playing a risky and exciting style! Maybe the Werewolves weren't so bad after all.
The second half began as a back and forth affair. Each side had some opportunities, but when the shots found the mark the keepers turned them aside. But then at minute 65, once again on the counter-attack, the home crowd was treated to a score by Maeglin and the stadium was its loudest yet! The Werewolves were certainly angered by this, but they seemed unable to strike back, as now it was Angband holding onto the ball and attacking with it. As time went under ten minutes, it looked like Angband had what it took to hold down TIG, but Nogwolf proved them wrong by stealing it and taking it upfield past several defenders all the way into the box.
He then left it for SPMwolf and continued forward, taking a defender with him. SPMwolf took the opening and fired a shot, but it hit the post! The Werewolves groaned, but their groans were swiftly transformed into wild howls as Phantomwolf came out of nowhere to thunder in the rebound! As the seconds ticked away the stadium really began rocking! This thing was going into overtime!
Just a few minutes into overtime, Ancalagon gained his first quality chance, but Mormwolf saved it brilliantly. Even the Angband fans applauded. Could the Werewolves actually be winning the crowd? But just a few minutes later it was obvious that they could never completely win the crowd- not with Gondolin's own Maeglin out there. He took it in against Kuruwolf and lost it, and the crowd felt he was roughed, but the refs didn't hand out a card, and the crowd showed its displeasure quite clearly.
As the end of overtime approached, it looked like things were headed to a shoot-out, and the excitement mounted. But it was not to be. Once again on a counter-attack, Angband pushed upfield quickly and with even numbers Hurin beat his man and forced Mormwolf to commit before sending it to Maeglin for the winner!
The stadium went wild! Their very own Maeglin and Hurin the steadfast had won it!
The Werewolves left the stadium heads hanging low. They had failed to achieve last year's results or better. Next time they would have to get their team together sooner, and refine their style, as it just wasn't good enough against a stupendous side like Angband.
Angband 3-2 Tol-in-Gaurhoth (OVERTIME)
shots 14-20
on target 6-8
GOALS:
*28, Angband (Hurin, Telvildo)
*39, TIG (Gwathwolf, Nogwolf)
*65, Angband (Maeglin, Gwindor)
*81, TIG (Phantomwolf, SPMwolf)
*OT 26, Angband (Maeglin, Hurin)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Gwindor, Ulfast, Balrog #5
*Tol-in-Gaurhoth- Lomwolf, Wereomer, Kuruwolf, Borowolf