Paneka

The manager and the head coach shook their heads as when they heard the voice of the commentator. The manager looked at the bench and told Blake Sheldon to stand up.

Blake Sheldon was a tall burly teenager. Even though he was only seventeen, he towered at a height of about six feet three inches. He was also very quick. Normally, he was a starting center back but he just recovered from injuries.

"Referee, I want to make a change". The manager called out to the linesman. "Number five Blake Sheldon for number nineteen Anthony Tyler".

The referee nodded and looked at his display board. He imputed some numbers and called the referees attention. The referee facilitated time for the change then blew the whistle which signified the resumption of the match.

"I think that Teesside would be looking for a way to regain their lead. They let go of two goals in less than half an hour, I don't think that the manager would be happy with that'.

'He should be looking to change that, he just sent in star defender Blake Sheldon'.

'I guess he'll be hoping that Sheldon's physicality would help him tame the explosive nature of Casey Mbena'.

'It'll be nice to watch the center back/ striker duel'.

"Hey, Omari!" Sheldon called out. "The gaffer said that we're playing 4-2-4 until we get the next goal".

Omari nodded. Although the change in formation didn't mean that he would have to change his position, Blake told him because it meant that he had to become more attacking in his play.

For the next ten minutes or so, Preston United battered them with shots from all directions. The manager's calculation was accurate, Blake's physicality kept Casey in check, but with the bulk of the defense focused on Casey, the other players were taking advantage of the situation.

'I hate to say it, but it looks like Teeside have been outsmarted'.

'From the way things are looking, they're being outplayed through and through. The introduction of Casey Mbena into the game was a real game changer. He's causing the Teeside defense so much and he hasn't even touched the ball for the last ten minutes'.

"Damnit!" Omari cursed. He just marked a midfielder. The midfielder passed the ball away as soon as Omari reached him.

He felt frustrated. How the hell did they just throw away a two goal lead? More importantly, was he really going to draw on his debut?!

His frustration increased as those thoughts surfaced. He continued jogging again, following the general direction of the ball. He ran at another midfielder who passed the ball away as soon as Omari got close.

"Fucking wankers!" Omari shouted lightky.

"Better keep your voice down". Jack said. "You'll get another yellow if the referee hears you cursing at them".

"But they're wankers. Why won't they take me on. Passing the ball around like the spineless lot they are". Omari said. Jack smiled after he heard this and ran towards where the ball was being played.

Omari sighed again. He knew that he shouldn't be angry at the way that Preston United were playing. They were probably just following the manager's instruction.

89'

After several unbearable minutes of running aimlessly at the ball. The breakthrough finally came to them.

Jack stole the ball away from the legs of one of the wingers. He skillfully dribbled the ball to the middle of the field then sent a through ball down the right to Joshua Taylor.

Joshua was assaulted by defenders as soon as he got the ball. He skillfully dribbled the ball away from the legs of the defenders and sent a long pass across the field towards Omari.

Omari trapped the ball with one touch and dribbled back to give himself space for a shot. He moved his leg to shoot the ball and-

He was on the floor. He didn't know how, all he knew was that his body was on the floor and the back of his right leg was aching him unbearably.

There was a bit of chatter in the background. He heard a few swear words but he wasn't sure. Two physicians came to check on him.

They massaged his legs and gave him some water to drink. After some moments, his leg was alright. He slowly stood up.

'What a rash challenge by Christian. He's been shown a straight red by the referee. And Teeside have a chance to run away with the win with a penalty'.

Anthony took the ball and gave it to Omari. "You won the penalty, you better score the penalty".

Omari smiled and collected the ball from Anthony. He placed it on the penalty spot and stepped back. His heart pounded violently against the walls of his rib cage. He heaved a sigh to help him calm himself.

The referee blew his whistle and Omari ran towards the ball as fast as he could.

When he reached the ball he used his boot and kicked the lower part of the ball. The ball chipped into the air and sunk back in to the center of the post.

The goalkeeper had been fired up by Omari's run and made a quick dive to the right leaving a somewhat empty net for the ball to enter.

'What a goal from Omari Hutchingson. So daring giving the importance of the penalty'.

'A paneka goal. What a goal, the referee blows his whistle and signifies the end of the match. Teeside have surely won it, three goals to two'.

'Brilliant counter attack from Teeside. Nicely done from Jack to release the ball to the right hand side. Omari Hutchinson might've won the penalty but I don't think anyone will overlook Joshua's efforts in getting the ball to him. What a cross field pass. Some senior players may not even be able to replicate that. He sends the ball to Hutchinson who controls it one time. He does well to create space for the shot and he might've scored a screamer if he wasn't fouled all of a sudden'.

'I don't think he'll be angry though. At the end of the day, be still got his goal'.