Magic of the Cup

By Bad Dad on Feb 28, 08 10:55 PM

I'VE stood on the terrace or in the pub and watched penalty shoot outs for club and country end in dismal failure or glorious success...and only a true football fan can know the gut wrenching turmoil involved.

But I watched my eldest lad step up to the plate in the semi finals of a county cup game tonight and it was far, far worse.

Two apiece at full time, extra time couldn't separate them so it was down to the dreaded spot kicks.

Part of me willed him to grab the ball and go down in classroom folklore - part of me wanted him to slink into the background and let someone else dance with destiny.

So when he stepped forward and put the ball on the spot for the second pen, I could hardly watch and it was left to his teacher to reassure me, "he'll be fine - he's got a sweet left foot".

Second later as the ball nestled in the back of the net my relief twinned with joy and pride almost made up for those Stuart Pearce and David Batty blunders....almost.

"I knew you'd score," I told him afterwards. I just hope his teacher keeps schtum.