Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
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I will be doing the more unorthodox approach to a story, by doing it from a players POV.
I rubbed my palms together to try and generate some sort of heat and comfort in what ultimately is, everyday weather. Heavy rain and winds battered the players and had left the pitch in a chopped up ol' condition. Perfect condition. Perfect condition for those playing, of course. Most of my time is spent on the bench. I am 17, but I feel as though this is it. Last chance to impress or, well, get on with life and my studies. Seeing those around me playing with pride in the local Candystripe shirts, impressing visiting scouts whilst im warming the bench. Will I ever get my chance? I looked down at the puddles and saw my reflection, that's when it really hit me. Im not good enough to go pro, am I? Its an ambition and dream by many, most of which don't get there and what makes me so different to them? Well, at this present point, nothing.
'Go on lads, this is yours for the taking'. I would always help cheer the time, always. Unfortunately tonight we're playing league leaders Shamrock Rovers, who are giving us a right spanking! Lucky to be just 1-0 down as we approach stoppage time, just another day at the office for me really. "Oi, get yourself stripped down." Was that directed at me? I looked around me to see the glassy eyes glaring at me in encouragement. I looked back at the voice, "Well, do you want to go on or not?". Without even replying i jumped up, with excitement. I no longer felt cold, it was as if I was already numbed to the bone. I started drifting into my own world, imagining me scoring the equalizer and then the winner! '3 minutes added time? Can be done, easily' I thought to myself. My dream was caught short by the low pitch squeal of the referees whistle. I opened my eyes and found myself standing on the touchline, to my left the linesman holding my number up, to the right the gaffer, chatting to me. I wasn't listening to what he was saying, the adrenalin was pumping through me. I wouldn't need his tips, I am going on to bring the 3 points home for the Derry City faithful.
As i shook hands with McGlynn and ran on, I could already see the headlines in the local papers in my head. "Young Derry Sensation Sends Brandywell Into Ruptures With 2 Stunning Strikes". This is it, this is my chance. I glanced to the clock, 91st minute, 2 to go. The ball was skidding off this wet surface like ice, but still, I went after everything. Approaching the final 30 seconds, 'keepers ball. Big hoof upfield, I knew when it was hit a chance would come of it. 20 seconds. Kevin Deery squares it out toward Molloy who hold is up for a few seconds. "Pump it forward!". 10 seconds. Long ball forward meets the head of Farren who's cushioned header falls just a few yards in front of me. 5 seconds. No way, did this just happen? Ball at feet, edge of the box, clear on goal.. this is it. "SHOOT!". I quickly sorted my feet out and shot before the defender could get a foot in, however his follow through takes me out. Lying with my face flat in the wet and cold ground. Milliseconds seemed like hours. I even think i blacked out! I closed my eyes, and heard the refs whistle accompanied by a roar from the stands. 'I scored? I scored?' I raised my head slowly, to find out the outcome...
'Go on lads, this is yours for the taking'. I would always help cheer the time, always. Unfortunately tonight we're playing league leaders Shamrock Rovers, who are giving us a right spanking! Lucky to be just 1-0 down as we approach stoppage time, just another day at the office for me really. "Oi, get yourself stripped down." Was that directed at me? I looked around me to see the glassy eyes glaring at me in encouragement. I looked back at the voice, "Well, do you want to go on or not?". Without even replying i jumped up, with excitement. I no longer felt cold, it was as if I was already numbed to the bone. I started drifting into my own world, imagining me scoring the equalizer and then the winner! '3 minutes added time? Can be done, easily' I thought to myself. My dream was caught short by the low pitch squeal of the referees whistle. I opened my eyes and found myself standing on the touchline, to my left the linesman holding my number up, to the right the gaffer, chatting to me. I wasn't listening to what he was saying, the adrenalin was pumping through me. I wouldn't need his tips, I am going on to bring the 3 points home for the Derry City faithful.
As i shook hands with McGlynn and ran on, I could already see the headlines in the local papers in my head. "Young Derry Sensation Sends Brandywell Into Ruptures With 2 Stunning Strikes". This is it, this is my chance. I glanced to the clock, 91st minute, 2 to go. The ball was skidding off this wet surface like ice, but still, I went after everything. Approaching the final 30 seconds, 'keepers ball. Big hoof upfield, I knew when it was hit a chance would come of it. 20 seconds. Kevin Deery squares it out toward Molloy who hold is up for a few seconds. "Pump it forward!". 10 seconds. Long ball forward meets the head of Farren who's cushioned header falls just a few yards in front of me. 5 seconds. No way, did this just happen? Ball at feet, edge of the box, clear on goal.. this is it. "SHOOT!". I quickly sorted my feet out and shot before the defender could get a foot in, however his follow through takes me out. Lying with my face flat in the wet and cold ground. Milliseconds seemed like hours. I even think i blacked out! I closed my eyes, and heard the refs whistle accompanied by a roar from the stands. 'I scored? I scored?' I raised my head slowly, to find out the outcome...
To be continued!
