Free Team Player by Cindy Jefferies Page B

us.”
    Keira looked a bit surprised at Roddy’s outburst, but quickly regained her composure. “Well, anyway, if we can beat Banks in our next match then we don’t need to worry about playing Moore. Maybe they’ll have to give us a guard of honour instead!”
    The idea of the Moore players having to stand in line and applaud as they walked onto the pitch for the last game of the season was an appealing one, and it cheered everyone up. But first Charlton had to startplaying better again, and beat Banks in the next game.
    â€œThat’s the spirit!” said Sam. “Now I’m off for tea before it’s all gone. Hurry up and get showered if you don’t want to miss out!”
    â€œIs that right, what Sam said?” Geno wondered aloud. “Will we really win the first-year cup if we beat Banks?”
    Jimmy looked up from picking mud out of his studs. “What do you reckon, Marek?”
    The goalie shrugged. “I don’t know,” he said. “Roddy?”
    Roddy thought for a second, under the questioning gaze of his roommates. “I’m not absolutely sure. The points are a bit complicated. Because of the 25-point goal bonus, I guess it’s never really over until the last game, but we’re 300 points ahead of Moore now. If we both win our next game by the same amount, they’ll need to beat us bythree clear goals to take the title. 250 points for the win, and 25 for each goal would be a 325-point swing. But we’re not going to let that happen, are we?”
    â€œNo way,” replied Geno. “But I’d better find my form again, hadn’t I?” He was looking worried, but gave Roddy a smile anyway. “Come on,” he said. “You lot are taking ages. Last one to tea has to share his pudding!”

2. Geno’s Problem
    Despite what Sam and Keira had said, the main topic of discussion at tea that night among the Charlton first years was their poor performance in the match. Even on the way back to the boarding house, Roddy and Geno were still at it.
    â€œHow come you wouldn’t pass to Keira?” asked Geno. “In the whole game I think you only gave her the ball about twice. She was in great positions, and you kept losing it. And that last time, you should really have passed to me.”
    Roddy thought about Bryn’s text and sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. But Keira’s really getting up my nose at the moment. She’salways telling us what to do.”
    â€œBut she’s captain,” said Geno. “That’s her job. And you’re vice captain, her second-in-command. You need to be working
with
her. Today our midfield fell apart with you two ignoring each other. Usually your partnership is invincible.”
    â€œThat’s just it,” Roddy said angrily. “Old Jenkins and Sam both talk about our wonderful partnership, but it’s not really a partnership, is it? Not when Keira’s been wearing the captain’s armband all year. I think she’s getting too big for her boots. When’s it going to be
my
turn?”
    Geno stopped walking and looked at his friend in surprise. “Look, I know you want to be captain,” he said. “But you must admit Keira’s done well. We’re really close to winning the first-year cup. She may be getting a bit up herself right now, but isn’tit worth dealing with for just a little longer to get our hands on the trophy?”
    â€œI suppose so,” Roddy agreed reluctantly. “But you do agree she’s been getting a bit much?”
    Geno thought for a second. “Yeah. You’re right. She has. And you’re not the only one who’s been complaining. It’s the firsts, too. Ali told me that Keira gave him an earful when he fluffed a pass during our match against West Ham last week. He reckons she’s got big-headed because the firsts have done so well.”
    Roddy nodded his agreement.