RamPrompTime

Chokers (Prompt: Penalty)

"FWEEP. FWEEP FWEEP FWEEEEEPPPPPPP...." Shoulders drooped, those in blue hugged and gave each other the customary high-fives before walking into the tunnel while Lungpool's men lay on the pitch in shock with tears trickling down their face, their dream having gone up in flames when it had all but come true.

Mike Sean heaved a sigh of relief and darted into the tunnel after arguably his hardest day in office. This wasn't the most high-voltage of derbies, but the outcome meant everything for Lungpool - their first title in thirty years. For Neverton, a victory, or even a point meant they could ruin the chances their opponent had to win the league title after thirty years. In the end Neverton won 1-0 defeat and that, very close to the end of regulation time in the second half.

"Neverton, Neverton, you never know when we'll hit you like a ton of bricks.

Remember, when you needn't do anything, doing something shouldn't give you the kicks"

The home fans sang as they poured out through the gates. The victory meant their rivals would have to lick their wounds one more time and wait for another year. The visiting fans were already long gone.

---

"Tirty years should've taught you tis. Tey haven't I will now. Speak after you win it," the snide remark from the ever-deadpan pundit Ray Keane before the start of the game reverberated in substitute Jamie's ears all through the game. Why did he say so? After all those titles why does he still not want my club winning one title? One! I will give it my all and show him Lungpool means business,Jeremy swore to himself, hot under the collar. It was the final game and Lungpool were a mere point away from clinching the title. Their closest rivals Varchester City were three points below, with a superior goal difference. That meant all they had to do was to hold on for a draw so they would get a point and become champions even if City were to win. 

It all started well. Playing a 5-4-1 formation with a diamond in midfield, Lungpool parked the bus shamelessly. They defended compactly, kept possession and did everything right, at least for eighty seven minutes. That's when the gaffer signaled for their overrated and overworked captain Even Gerrard to come off to be replaced by Jeremy Carragher, a defender to play in midfield. A clever choice, or so he thought.

You can't keep winners leashed, especially when they've been stung by a legend from their rival camp, can you? Jeremy hurtled on, tracking a long ball to an advancing forward from the Neverton defence, tried to slide from in front so he could clear the threat, slipped, dragged himself into the D before bringing the forward down with both feet. And all this, without noticing that three other Lungpool men were already marking him and another two stood at goal to clear anything. FWEEEEEPPPPPP.. Mike Sean blew his whistle. Frantic appeals, mobbing the referee and pleas only turned the yellow into a red. The penalty stood, and when the Neverton striker sent the Lungpool keeper the wrong way, it was all over. Jeremy, wished he were in his grave and not a dugout when he saw club legend Ian rushing out of the stadium, teary eyed.

---

Harry Neville and Ray Keane stood, mics in hand, sporting their trademark smug red-devil smile. "Why, Ray, do you think Lungpool gave away a penalty? Why did they slip up yet again?" Harry said.

"They shouldn't take their team anthem so seriously, man! Tey keep singin' You Never Walk Alone. Winners always walk alone, mind ya!" Keane smirked.