The Football Match
C. M. Flett
22 April 2008
Colin took me to the match, to see the Boro play,
Seated in the topmost tier; below -- a grand array,
The lush green pitch resplendent, the staff had made their mark,
A fine new ground -- The Riverside -- replacing Ayresome Park.
I'd seen the Boro play before, against The Ar-se-nal,
A brave display, a two-one win and Boro fans walked tall,
Today in trepidation they greet the champs Man-U,
With Rooney, Giggs, Ronaldo and others in their crew.
At first the homeside showed them far too much respect,
Gave away a sloppy goal, decisive and direct,
But slowly warming to their task Boro raised their game,
Withstanding Man-U pressure while Ronaldo they did tame.
At last it came, the home side's goal, just before half-time,
Young, Downing, Alves to the fore, heroes of this rhyme!
The Boro fans stood to a man and to a woman too,
And cheered their team as off they went -- for a well-earned brew.
Off again, the second half, could Boro still prevail?
Would bench-bound absent Vidic aid Boro to avail?
Precious points are needed -- to escape the dreaded drop,
But so of course do Man-U, if they're to stay on top.
Cheered on by all and sundry, the homeside took the lead,
A break away, a scathing pass, and Alves at top speed
Let fly a goal-bound stinger; we saw a bulging net!
The Riverside erupted; United's fans beset.
With twenty minutes still to go a testing time for all,
Would Man-U's fame desert them? Could Boro keep the ball
Away from rival predators, and save their one-goal lead?
Sluggishly the clocked ticked on, could Gareth's men succeed?
But Man-U have a habit of never giving up,
Latish goals their forté that's won them many a cup,
Scholes' control, a well timed pass and Rooney to the fore,
A choice placed ball beat Schwarzer, levelling the score.
A two-all draw, one priceless point, relief for Boro fans,
The Riverside can buzz again with hopeful future plans
To stay in touch, grind out results, avoiding the abyss,
If they turn in performances half as good as this!
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