[Shastanis Althreduin]

As the two teams made their way onto the pitch, there was a distinct air of boredom on the part of Barad-Dur- and indeed, the team's listless play resulted in a mere three yellow cards. Rohan came out strong early, but after netting two first-half goals (one a beautiful back-kick from defender Felarof that the Barad-Dur goalie couldn't be bothered with saving), they kicked the ball to their opponents and concentrated on defense the rest of the match.


Barad-Dur 0-2 Rohan
tot shots 7-13
on target 2-6
GOALS:
*30, 0-1 Felarof (Aldor)
*44, 0-2 Eorl (Eomer)
YELLOW CARDS:
*BDur- Angamaite, Gothmog II, Herumor
*Rohan- Eorl, Felarof, King Dead

This matchup was destined to be ugly, and neither team disappointed. At times it felt like this was more a game of "take down the other team" than an actual football game - fouls abounded, and Misty Mountains newcomer Orophin achieved his first straight red of the cup, after his boot connected with Gimli's head rather than the ball (with the relative proximity of the two items, it could have been construed as an actual mistake, as Gimli was heading the ball at the time.) Several Misty Mountains players cheered as Orophin was escorted off the field, and Durin's Bane was heard mentioning something about an "initiation".


Dwarves United 0-0 Misty Mts
tot shots 6-11
on target 2-3
GOALS:
*
YELLOW CARDS:
*DwUnt- Azaghal, Durin, Thror, Gimli, Thorin
*MMts- Chief Wolf, William, Rumil, Azog, Bert
RED CARDS:
*DwUnt- Thror (62, second yellow)
*MMts- Orophin (68, straight red)



This matchup was very cordial - the two teams rarely came into contact with one another, preferring instead to concentrate on passing and passing disruption. Real came out with a goal early, off the boot of Nessa (assisted by Tilion), and another soon after that, courtesy of Enerdhil (off a swift header by Miriel.) Gondolin attempted to even the score, sending in a goal themselves, but once that happened, Real turned up their possession game. Gondolin didn't have possession more than twice the rest of the game.

Gondolin 1-3 Real Valinor
tot shots 9-17
on target 3-8
GOALS:
*18, 0-1 Nessa (Tilion)
*26, 0-2 Enerdhil (Miriel)
*59, 1-2 Gothmog (Duilin)
*73, 1-3 Arien (Nerdanel)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Gondolin- Gothmog, Galdor
*RealVal- Caranthir