The Rest of the 1/8th Round
Match 5
Live from The Girdle
Doriath 3 - 4 Shire
This match was always going to be a close one with many goals scored and when Shire was asked to perform they answered. Merry shot in a lucky strike to open scoring in the early stages of the match, which went 1-0 into half time and towards the end it seemed Shire would go through 1-0 but a long shot by Beleg ensured that Shire would have to fight for the win, minutes from closing time Thingol scored of a header from a high cross putting Doriath ahead 2-1. The match seemed all but over and it seemed that Shire's run of luck had finally ended but a masterful interception by Gandalf was converted into a solo goal by him to level the two teams again.
It was Shire who took incentive in extra time as Pippin scored a hard and low kept goal. Not long after, Shire gave away a free kick which Beleg converted into another goal and once again put the teams into deadlock. It looked like it would end in penalties but a slip up by Doriath's defense gave Shire a penalty. Pippin had no intention of missing and scored the winner, the fans could not be held back after Shire's amazing win and they were all over the field. Shire looks set for another night of partying.
Match 6
Live from Imladris
Tol-In-Gauroth 0 - 1 Arnor
This match was held on a neutral ground for security reasons and surprisingly the fans were well behaved through out the game. Nothing note worthy really happened in the match, Arnor got ahead due to a slip up in TIG's defense which led to an own goal by one of the wolves. Arnor's attack never really looked stable but their defense more than made up for it. They managed to hold of several advances made by Sauron to see them through to the next round.
Overall, this was a rather disappointing match and I daresay Arnor got lucky. Tol-In-Gauroth always looked the better team.
Match 7
Live from The Black Gate
Mordor 2 - 0 Fangorn
Surprisingly the first 90 minutes didn't see any action at all. Both teams were on the defensive and normal time ended 0-0 with only five shots taken between both teams. Mordor was recieving boos from its own supporters as they left the field but they certainly gave them something to cheer about in extra time. Dark Lord played a fantastic game and managed two knock in two succesive goals to lift Mordor to a 2-0 win, showing Middle-Earth why they're favorites.
Overall, Mordor showed us that they can stay back and play a clean match if needed. They definately seem to be an excellent all round team, I can see them lifting the cup at the end of all things.
Match 8
Live from Middle-Earth Mirth
Barrow-Downs 3 - 0 Alqualonde
A solid win for Barrow-Downs even though they were missing one of their main players. The first half went relatively well, with the 'Downs getting several chances but they failed to convert them. The second half started off with a free kick for the Barrow-Downs, the phantom chose to send a grounded pass to Gil-Galad rather than shoot. Gil took a hard shot but the keeper managed to push it away only to have Firefoot come out of nowhere and poke it in. The next goal was scored courtesy of Saucepanman, he went on a long run and sent a high cross to phantom who headed it back to him and Suacey completed the motion with a bycycle kick.
The third goal was another fantastic effort by fan favorite, Saucepanman. He found himself in perfect situation to take advantage when Alqualonde's goalie ended up outside the box after a mix-up. Rather than gloating Saucey shot in a beauty to take the game 3-0.
Overall, this was a solid win for the Barrow-Downs and just like Mordor I can see them going all the way as well.
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Alright, I need people to send in stuff for the MEFD! I'll have some stuff up myself since I'm free. As soon as I get enough articles and stuff (hoping for 4 from others) I'll have the results up. I request you get them in soon because we're running behind schedule and I'd certainly like to get this done before Christams.
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