STRIKES!

Thwack

The ball flies high - higher

Boots squelch in muddy ground

All around

Grunts, shouts

'It's out Ref...'

'Foul...!'

'Play on!'

Racing down the left

Tackles hard,

Drives forward

Swerves right, foot finds ball

Piercing calls

'Pass it on...!'

'Off side...'

'Shoot!'

Sliding tackle,

Knee splatters into mud -

Up, chasing centre

Block pass, picks up pace - swivel

Kick high, header turned to dribble

Feint's left - right

Defender in tight

STRIKES...!!!