Page 31 of Playing the Game

“Sorry, old man. It’s been a while since we saw you with anyone,” Alain replied. “I figured you’d lost your nerve.”

“It’s the performance on the pitch that matters,” Ewen said.

“Well said,” Adam added. “We’re going to annihilate Hawkstead today. Got that?”

They all shouted the affirmative.

Jonas held Adam’s eye for a second.

He could do this. It was time.

SEVEN

ADAM

The sky threatened rain as Adam jogged to the halfway line. Brockton were playing toward the goal with the protestors behind.

They had coasted the first half, leaving the pitch with a score of nil-nil. Javier had given an impassioned speech in the locker room. They might be focusing on the FA Cup in the new year, but they had to gel as a team first.

There was a lot of braying from the crowd now the team were facing them. Adam hadn’t expected quite as many hostile fans. There had to be a hundred with faces like thunder.

He ran past Jonas.

“We’ve got this,” he said, under his breath. “Track me.”

Hawkstead had possession. Noah was doing everything in his power to shut this down. He swept up the ball and passed immediately to Adam.

“Go,” Adam said.

Jonas fell in behind him, effectively blocking the enemy. Adam tore up the left wing. The supporters, only feet away, were screaming his name. Thudding footsteps were approaching.

Adam scanned the pitch. Ewen already had two defenders on him. But Tito had made himself free. Adam focused and booted the ball with all his power. It was a beautiful pass, landing in front of its target.

Instantly, Tito took command and charged into the penalty area. The goalie had his arms stretched. Ready to face him.

Adam watched. Panting and transfixed.

In a second, Tito lined up his shot and fired. The ball went so close to the goalie’s head he must have felt the wind from it. Then it smashed into the back of the net.

The crowd were on their feet. Screaming and hollering.

Adam ran over and threw his arms around Tito.

“As far as debuts go, that’s pretty fucking awesome.”

He looked at the team and caught Ewen glaring at him.

What’s his problem?

Adam took Tito to the other side of the goal to cheer with the fans. In the heat of the moment, he forgot entirely that the ridiculous protestors were there.

“Back up,” Adam said when realisation dawned on him.

Tito must’ve worked it out.

A sea of faces scowled at them.

What kind of supporters are they? Can’t even cheer a goal.