162. 22nd September 2003

Weak sunlight shines through the morning mist as I lead my team in red and black on to the pitch the opposition in yellow approach from the other side no handshakes are shared no respect is given to each team the opposition is scum even the referee looks nervous as he gets the game under way Straight from the kick off the tackles fly in the yellow card is shown and so are the studs the referee is busy but so are the keepers both concede in embarrassing fashion Half time is here the score 4-4 a welcome chance for a little rest am happy enough at present with my double but ruing the missed shots and bad decisions looking forward to the second half so can complete my hat-trick Second half kicks off and it's just like the first the tackles are slightly fairer now as no one else wants to be dismissed the keepers are still busy but the scores remain level In the dying minutes we get a penalty no doubt who will take it as I pick up the ball and place it on the spot their keeper looks worried though he's had a good half but that will count for nothing if he lets this one in I've hit it right footed and it goes to the keeper's right he got a finger to the ball as it went over the line the referee acknowledged the goal our team celebrated as that was the last kick of the game all mistakes are forgiven as we win 5-4 Their keeper is distraught he's cost them the match in the end and knowing it's a stupid thing to do I go up to him and say the immortal words 'next time try harder and your team might just win' his response was unrepeatable