The match against Banks on Saturday was a strange one. Neither side had their minds fully on the game in hand. Despite Sam’s touchline guidance, Charlton failed to score for the first time ever, and slid to a 0–0 draw. Even Keira had to admit that she was concentrating more on the Leeds game. Their first big match was now tantalisingly close.
It was a very nervy practice that Monday, as everyone knew that the subs were going to be announced. After the usual run, Mr Jenkins had them in balanced groups playing five-a-side games. He spent the rest of the time going round each group, watching them closely. It was all right for the students who’d already been selected. Their places were safe, unless they were unlucky enough to pick up an injury, but Roddy could imagine what it was like for everyone else. It must be nerve-wracking knowing this was their last chance to impress.
At the end, everyone gathered round Mr Jenkins without waiting to be called. The team members were just as excited as everyone else to find out who was going to be on the bench, ready to play at a moment’s notice.
“OK then,” said Mr Jenkins, flipping over the pages of the notebook he always carried with him. “Jack Carr, Polly Ratcliffe, Ashanti Nagel, John Finnigan. I want you all on the bench. Marek, can I have a word please?”
Marek and Mr Jenkins went off to one side, and the coach put his hand on Marek’s shoulder.
Roddy looked at Geno. “Why’s he talking to Marek alone?” he asked. “It’s not like he’s the only one who’s missed out.”
“Haven’t a clue,” said Geno.
Whatever Mr Jenkins wanted to say to Marek was soon done, because the next minute he was back with the group again.
“OK, tomorrow in training we’ll have the first team taking on all comers,” he said. “The rest of the year will be split into three sides, and you’ll take turns against them. That’ll let me get a good look at the team as a whole.” Then he pushed his notebook into his jacket pocket and disappeared in the direction of the main building.
Several people gave Marek questioning glances, but no one said anything. It wasn’t until much later, when the four boys were back in their room, that he volunteered any information at all.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said.
“About what?” asked Roddy.
“Mr Jenkins.”
Roddy waited impatiently.
“He’s said I can be on the bench for the match against Leeds, but only if I’m a sub for the goalkeeper. With Tom still out and the Stiles goalie off form, there’s only really Dij to put in goal. Mr Jenkins said he’d do his best to give me the second half as keeper, if we’re winning.”
“So that’s why he took you off to one side,” said Roddy. “We thought he was just commiserating with you.”
“No,” said Marek. “He wants me to be in the squad, but as a substitute goalie.”
“So there’s no chance of being subbed on as a striker?” said Jimmy.
“He’s got enough people up front,” said Roddy. “There’s Geno and Eric Bullard, and John as a sub, and Keira and me, I suppose. He’s right. Our real weakness is in defence. We need you as a goalie, Marek.”
“But if I say yes, I’m turning my back on scoring goals for ever,” said Marek despondently. “I just know it.”
“Well,” said Roddy, determined to be positive. “How does that make you feel … if you take your family out of the equation,” he added hastily.
“Yes,” Geno said. “Forget them for the moment. Which position do you enjoy playing in most?”
Marek folded his arms. “Well, you can’t beat scoring,” he told them. “You know what it’s like, Geno, and you, too, Roddy. It’s such a thrill to get the ball in the net. Everyone cheers, and you feel so great… It’s fantastic.” He lifted up the Polish flag from where it lay on his bed, and stared at it. “I wanted to score goals for my country,” he said. “But maybe Zurawski was wrong. Maybe you can’t always do what you want, however hard you try.” He dropped the flag, and smoothed it out over the bed again. “I do enjoy keeping,” he admitted. “I know I’ve tried not to, but … more importantly, I want us to have the best possible chance of beating Leeds. I never thought I’d say it, but maybe my future doesn’t lie in being a striker after all.
“I don’t know what I’m going to say to my cousin when he turns up for the match,” he said heavily. “I know he’ll be doubly shocked. First that I’m on the bench, and about my change of position, too. But … I think I have to go for it, don’t I?”
“Yes!” Roddy leaped up and punched the air.
“Good decision!” said Geno, grinning wildly.
“It’ll be great to have you in defence,” said Jimmy, looking relieved. “We work well together.”
“Thank you,” said Marek. “And for putting up with me. I know I’ve been a real pain recently.”
“It’s hardly surprising,” said Roddy. “It must be really odd to start out in one position and then discover you’re better at a totally different one. But Mr Jenkins is right. We need you as a goalie, Marek.”
The next morning in training, the first team lined up all together, and Mr Jenkins gave them some final advice about playing as a team. “I know it’s a little strange playing alongside people who are your rivals in house matches, but that’s exactly what it’s like playing international football.
“You’re on the same team now, and you’ve got to leave your house differences behind. So let’s see how you do, and I’ll give you advice as you need it.”
Mr Jenkins was right, it was strange lining up alongside Moore, Stiles and Banks players. They’d all played together in small practice games before, but not a proper 11-a-side match. But at least Roddy knew he could rely on Keira beside him in the middle of the pitch.
Stadium School are getting ready for their first match of the season, and the ball is played back to captain Sanders from the kickoff. She brings it forward through the centre circle, then passes it square to Jones. The pass is intercepted by an opposing player, however, and suddenly the Stadium School defence is threatened. Piper comes charging out, but the ball is already gone, passed out to the wing. A swirling cross comes back in, and with Piper stranded outside the box it’s a free header. Luckily for Stadium School, Anichebe makes a comfortable save, but that wasn’t the start they had in mind.
Mr Jenkins signalled for a time out. “Jimmy, the defence has to play as a unit,” he explained. “You always need to know where the rest of the back four is, and be sure they’re covering all the attackers before you go wandering out like that. Dij will coordinate you as much as he can, but try to keep it tight. You can’t play them offside on your own. And Roddy, as good as you are going forward, in a 4–4–2 there’s nobody covering the defence if you and Keira both rush up the other end. You need to be disciplined, and stay back sometimes.” Mr Jenkins blew his whistle to restart the game, and immediately the team started playing better.
Patel with the ball now on the left wing for Stadium School, and he’s managed to shake off his marker. He gets past another defender – what a great run! He slides the ball into the path of Bullard, who is forced wide by the centre back. He tries a shot, but the angle is too narrow and it’s a routine save for Dvorski in the opposing team’s goal.
“Don’t be afraid to pass, Eric,” called Mr Jenkins. “Geno was in a better position to score. Sometimes you can’t take the glory yourself. Play for the team!”
As the training session went on, the team grew in confidence. And by the time they had scored their third goal in the last practice game, Roddy felt more than ready to meet Leeds for the big match on Wednesday.