[skip spence]

When the sun rose on the day appointed and all the eastern lands lay bathing in morning glory, full daylight was still hours away on the plains of Tumladen within the encircling mountains. But finally, when the wait was almost unbearable, the emergent glow on the jagged peaks of the Crissaegrim exploded into a blinding white light and the shadows fled westwards or skulked underneath the sheer rock walls for a temporary respite. At the moment the sunbeams reached 0the king’s lofty tower, hundreds of trumpets greeted the new day. From the white, shiny walls of the city the banners of Turgon the King and Hithlum were unfurled, but also that of Angband, black as the pits of hell in mockery of the promises of such a fair morning. The day of the semi-final had come, with Hithlum facing off against Angband, and everyone was up and about, preparing for a choice feast.

The residents of the city rued the elimination of the proud Gondolin team, but were well pleased that they could support their kinsmen and friends from Hithlum, who also brought plenty of supporters with them from their Western highlands. Although former Gondolin-player Maeglin still had a few supporters in the city, most Elves here considered him to be treacherous scum signing for their most bitter rivals. Therefore, although this year’s Angband team was less hated than previous incarnations, there was no doubt that Hithlum had the support of the crowd, although a smaller group of travelling fans from Angband also remained in the city, mostly consisting of Easterlings, as few Orcs braved facing the mid-day sun. Here were also the black figures clad in hooded robes, looming over the Angband subs bench. Up in the VIP sky boxes luminaries such as Turgon, Tuor, Idril the king’s daughter and Eömwë, herald of Manwë, were seated. Alsp present were the eagles of Thorondor, sitting on the upper rim of the oval stadium with a great overview of the action down below utilizing their sharp eye-sight. Among the organizers there was a discussion about expelling them from the stadium lest they pay for tickets, but since no one knew how this could be done in practice, the officials thought better of it.

The stadium was full of light and colour and noise as the referee blew his whistle and Fëanor kicked off. The match was underway and to the joy of the supporters it was Hithlum who had the upper hand early on. In the fifth minute Maedhros got past Drauglin and found his father Fëanor, who burst into the penalty area. The angle was tight but he tried a shot nevertheless, and it was a swirling ball that Carcaroth had trouble with. First it looked like he’d claimed the ball, but then he yelped as it was suddenly behind him, rolling towards the line. Fëanor and the Hithlum players celebrated a goal, as they though it had crossed the line before the wolf got it again, but the referee waved play on. Fëanor was furious, insisting they’d look at a Palantiri replay of the event, but the ref had none of it and booked the Hithlum captain for protesting.

This incident only seemed to motivate Hithlum, and they continued to create plenty of headaches for the Angband defence, while Ancalagon and Maeglin (who got booed every time he touched the ball) had a difficult time with the Noldor back line. 17 minutes into the game Hithlum also took the lead as Gondolin favourite Aredhel made a great run and crossed the ball for Maedhros, who volleyed home from 10 metres. The stadium exploded in a great roar and trumpets blew triumphantly. But Hithlum did not rest on their laurels and went on the hunt for a second. A few minutes before the break it also came when Fingolfin’s deep run was spotted by Fëanor, whose perfect though-ball gave his half brother a one-on-one opportunity with Carcaroth, and although the great wolf came charging out from his line with a dreadful roar, the brave High King showed perfect composure and rolled the ball past him into the net. There was a warm applause as the two siblings embraced each other celebrating the goal they made together. Team sports can truly unite. Hithlum was two up at halftime and they had played wonderful football, perhaps the best the spectators had seen so far here in Gondolin.

During the recess, the black figures in the stands left their seats and came to the Angband dressing room. What was said is not known but there was an altogether new Angband team emerging in the second half. Suddenly the tackles were hard and fierce and the runs determined and fast. Hithlum still played out of their skins, and now the match reached epic proportions. The ref had to book several players, and the temperamental Fëanor should perhaps consider himself lucky not to receive a second yellow card when he went into a challenge with great zest, sending Uldor spinning in the air in great pain. Hurin, Maeglin and Gwindor in particular were fast becoming the main threat for Angband, perhaps motivated by the convincing arguments of the black hooded figures. Midway through the half Hurin almost reduced the Hithlum lead when his banana shot clipped the top of the bar behind a beaten Huan, but the Hitlum defence still held tight, much thanks to the impressive Caranthir the Dark and the Balrog who just about nullified the threat of the disappointing Ancalagon the Black.

But in the 73rd minute the goal came for Angband. Gwindor lifted a cross over the Hithlum box where Maeglin chested the ball down on the left. Challenging Ulmo he made a few quick step-overs before taking it past the Vala and unleashing a surprising snap shot that beat Huan on his near post. That was a fantastic individual effort from “the sharp boot” and he celebrated the goal with a swagger by hushing the crowd with a finger to his mouth. Angband were right back in it now and the crowd grew increasingly nervous, expecting a tense finale.

That wasn’t to be though. Only a few minutes later as Angband pushed for an equalizer, Fingolfin stole the ball and released a rampant Fëanor down the middle. Thuringwethil was forced to commit a cynical foul to stop the forward, and was rather lucky not to get sent off. Angband was punished none the less, as Fëanor got back on his feet, dusted himself off, and bended an unstoppable projectile over the wall and into Carcaroth’s the upper right corner for his fourth goal of the tournament. The crowd was ecstatic, knowing that a two goal deficit would be very difficult for Angband to overcome. Nor could they, and time quickly ran out for them. Hithlum was thought to the final, and very deservedly too, as they’d really razed their game when it mattered the most. The buoyant players were making lap after lap around the stadium soaking in the glory, fully expectant to win the final too regardless of who they’d have to face. Meanwhile the Angband players left the field dejected. They would not be received well back home now.

Angband 1-3 Hithlum
shots 10-18
on target 3-9
GOALS:
*17, Hithlum (Maedhros, Aredhel)
*42, Hithlum (Fingolfin, Feanor)
*73, Angband (Maeglin, Gwindor)
*79, Hithlum (Feanor)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Angband- Thuringwethil, Balrog #5, Gwindor
*Hithlum- Fingon, Aredhel, Feanor