Tar-Eldar Network Television's first ever Arda Cup friendly broadcast was almost cancelled when a freak thunderstorm struck the Ever-Cold Arena in Himring, shorting out TENT's broadcast tent. But after a few minutes and some Húrinean effort from network technicians it was restarted in time for the kick-off of the friendly match between AC Beleriand and Inter Beleriand.
It was to be expected that the match would be a friendly in every sense of the word, what with Fëanor and his eldest son being captains of the opposing squads. However it still turned out to be a competitive game between the two, at least during the first half. After getting their two goals AC Beleriand went purely defensive in the second half. Inter Beleriand tried their best to get a goal, but after a few tries they realised they were going nowhere against the Fingolfin-led back line and were content to play shut down instead.
AC Beleriand 2-0 Inter Beleriand
GOALS:
15, 1-0 Beren (Eöl)
32, 2-0 Fëanor (Ecthelion)
Total Shots
12-14
Shots On Target
6-5
YELLOW CARDS:
2-3
ACBel: Ulrad, Rochallor
Inter: Balrog #5, Haleth, Gorlim
In other games not televised by TENT:
Anduin vs Valimar
Despite being forced to play in unfamiliar surroundings, it seems that nothing much has changed in the minds of Manwë and Mandos, abiding once again by their one-goal-win strategy that they have mostly stuck to in the past. This was not a particularly high-energy match, with both squads going through the motions before Valimar finally scored. After the first (and eventually only) goal both teams became even more conservative and Anduin figured it wasn't worth the effort to try and equalise against the Valarin defence.
After the game none from the Valimar team sat down for the post-game interview.
Anduin 0-1 Valimar
total shots 9-10
on target 3-5
GOALS:
*55, 0-1 Pallando (Ilmare)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Anduin- Léod, Borondir
*Valimar- Amrod, Alatar
__________________
Nargothrond vs Shire-Bree United
This was perhaps one of the gems of the first round of friendlies, especially for those who like daring individual plays, fancy passing, and high scores. Glaurung and Bombadil lit up the scoreboards, and the Barrow-Wight and Finrod both got a couple of assists. The Barrow-Wight was quite familiar with the two who converted off his passes, having played with Bombadil and Strider before in the 2010 Breeland squad (and re-teaming with the Ranger in Eriador last year), but the Friend of Men immediately connected with the Father of Dragons despite not having played with him in four years. After the game Glaurung commented, 'Finrod's passing is sublime, and his ability to read defences is unparalleled. He's not just a friend of Men, he's a friend of anyone who wants to score.'
Despite the competitiveness this was a very carefree affair. At first both squads tried to grab the lead, and then whoever scored fell back to allow the other team a chance to tie. Mistakes were made here and there, especially in the defensive end, but the teams weren't bothered by it. After Strider's goal the teams mutually decided to leave the scoreline be, and just passed the ball around in the final seven minutes. Said Strider after the game, 'It's just fun to be on the pitch once more, and I think both our teams showed it. Sure, we have a lot of things to improve on if we want to go far in the Cup, but for now, after the uncertainty of the off-season, just having the chance to play again is a treat.'
Nargothrond 4-4 Shire-Bree United
total shots 21-18
on target 10-9
GOALS:
*10, 0-1 Bombadil (Barrow-Wight)
*16, 1-1 Glaurung (Gwindor)
*28, 2-1 Gwindor (Finrod)
*39, 2-2 Khamûl (Strider)
*51, 2-3 Bombadil (Bandobras)
*60, 3-3 Glaurung (Finduilas)
*68, 4-3 Glaurung (Finrod)
*83, 4-4 Strider (Barrow-Wight)
YELLOW CARDS:
*Nargothrond- Arminas
*SBU- Nazgûl #6, Strider