On the Spot Read Online Free Page B

tight and hold on to the win. Going for another goal isn’t worth the risk and, with the minutes ticking away, they’ll fancy their chances of keeping ten-man Stiles out. They’re getting everyone behind the ball to try and keep defence tight, and it appears to be working.
    Chris Wood, the Stiles midfielder, hits a screamer of a shot in from long range, but Dvorski is equal to it and makes another magnificent save. He’s really kept Charlton in the game today. You wouldn’t believe it’s his first match playing in goal. Dvorski hoofs it down the pitch, the ref checks his watch and it’s all over. Charlton have turned it round in
the second half and won the game. Stiles will feel let down by their captain, but credit has to go to Charlton for a bold performance.
    The Charlton players all gathered round Marek, showering him with praise. The stand-in keeper tried to brush off the attention, but he was definitely the hero of the hour.
    â€œYou were brilliant,” said Roddy, slapping Marek on his back.
    â€œBut
you
scored the winning goal.” replied Marek. “
I
was only the keeper.”

5. A Big Shock
    Roddy and Marek were up early on Monday morning, and even beat Mr Jenkins onto the field for their training session.
    â€œFancy taking a few shots on goal while we’re waiting?” said Marek. “I’ll try saving them, if you like.”
    â€œYou’re really getting into your keeping, aren’t you?” said Roddy, as they made their way to the closest set of posts.
    â€œIt’s fun!” laughed Marek. “I’m not sure it beats
scoring
goals, but it’s great being the last line of defence and pulling off a good save. I didn’t think I would, but I really enjoyed the match on Saturday. And Jack’s face was hilarious when he was sent off.”
    Roddy sent a scorcher of a ball towards Marek, who fell on his knees to capture it. “You’ll have to do better than that,” he laughed triumphantly, throwing the ball back.
    â€œLet’s have a go,” said Keira, who had just arrived with the twins.
    â€œAll right. Headers and volleys,” replied Roddy, chipping the ball towards Eboni.
    Eboni ran to meet the ball and smashed it goalwards with her left foot, but Marek pulled off another stunning save.
    As more of the year arrived, a game developed, and everyone was a little disappointed when Mr Jenkins arrived and set them to doing proper training drills. Not so long ago, Roddy would have struggled to play an energetic game then do a training session afterwards, but Mr Jenkins’s emphasis on fitness and stamina was really working.Roddy’s times for running laps of the pitch were getting better and better, and the cool January sunshine kept him at a comfortable temperature as he ran.
    On the way to the changing rooms after the practice session, Mr Jenkins cornered Marek. By the time he got under the shower, everyone else was changed, but his friends were waiting for him in the team-talk room.
    â€œWhat did Mr Jenkins want?” asked Roddy, when Marek appeared.
    â€œYou’re not going to believe this,” said Marek. “He reckons I ought to consider training as a goalie for the first team.”
    â€œReally?” Keira thought about it. “Well, you do seem to have the talent for it.”
    â€œI’m helping out Charlton, and that’s fine, but I don’t want to be a goalie for ever,” said Marek.
    â€œBut you’re so good at it!” said Jimmy.
    â€œThat’s not the point!” said Marek. He glared at Jimmy. “I’m a striker, aren’t I? I’m not going to abandon that. I’ve always wanted to be a striker, and that’s what I’m going to be when I turn professional.”
    â€œOK, OK,” laughed Jimmy, lifting his hands. “Don’t blow your top. Everyone knows you’re a striker. So what did you say?”
    â€œI reminded him that