Football Poets

Boro v West Ham (11-11-2006)

¶ 1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 It is Armistice Day, the 11th of November,
We all hope that Boro give a good deal to remember,
A result for which every true, faithful fan clamours,
That’s three most-precious points, by defeating the Hammers.

¶ 2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 After two woeful games that were so agonising,
The few changes today are hardly surprising,
Instead of square pegs in proverbial round holes,
The balance looks such, that it might bring us goals.

¶ 3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 On this dark and grey November afternoon,
Time for deep thought was now most opportune,
For just one minute’s silence, when nothing much stirred,
And only the biting, cold wind could be heard.

¶ 4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 This was not the time for supporters’ moans,
But just for the bugler’s haunting tones,
Many fans stood there – some dewy-eyed,
Remembering those who had fought and died.

¶ 5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Respect’s been paid: now, what is sought,
Is pride and passion of a different sort,
Let’s burst the Hammers’ most famous ‘Bubble,’
And plunge them into deeper trouble.

¶ 6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 So, the game’s now in progress and the battle commences,
Anything but a win could have dire consequences,
Not least of all for Southgate, with his stay of execution,
Though a victory just might help bring about a resolution.

¶ 7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 Boro were unlucky in the opening exchanges,
When Rochemback let fly with one of his long-rangers,
Presented from a casual ball from the Hammers’ Gabbidon,
But the effort was too high and the chance was quickly gone.

¶ 8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 Although at times quite scrappy, it’s an encouraging Boro start,
With signs of better things to come, to warm the faithful heart,
Good balls were flung into the box, from way out on the wings,
This certainly showed us promise of some even better things.

¶ 9 Leave a comment on verse 9 0 Yakubu’s bursting through on goal and threatening to score,
Collins pulled him back – for yellow – though it might have been much more,
The Hammers’ man looked mystified and totally poker-faced,
Then the free kick fell to Rochemback, which he sadly chose to waste.

¶ 10 Leave a comment on verse 10 0 A lengthy kick from Schwarzer almost benefited Yak,
With Hammers looking nervy in this really swift attack,
But on the sodden turf the ball so quickly gathered speed,
Going through to ‘keeper Green and so the danger did recede.

¶ 11 Leave a comment on verse 11 0 Despite moments of promise from certain Boro lads,
For the Premiership this game’s not the most wonderful of ads,
With home fans getting restless and showing their frustration,
Their demand’s for much more effort and much greater penetration.

¶ 12 Leave a comment on verse 12 0 Yakubu did his utmost, to lead the guests a dance,
But, in truth, we failed to carve out just one single, decent chance,
Then Downing came the closest with a truly wicked shot,
But ‘keeper Robert Green was once more Johnny on the Spot.

¶ 13 Leave a comment on verse 13 0 Gabbidon saved the Hammers’ day with one of today’s best tackles,
As Yakubu powered right on through and almost broke the shackles,
So, a half devoid of quality has now ended in stalemate,
Some pretty frightful stuff, though somewhat better than of late.
———-
A cross-cum-shot from Rochemback flew wide of Hammers’ post,
As ‘keeper Robert Green appeared otherwise engrossed,
Then Harewood’s put right through by the veteran striker, Teddy,
It happened oh, so quickly, and Schwarzer wasn’t ready.

¶ 14 Leave a comment on verse 14 0 That was a great escape for Boro: by far the closest yet,
Built like the strongest ox, Harewood’s certainly a threat,
But he volleyed it just over, much to everyone’s relief,
When it looked as if the Boro were about to come to grief.

¶ 15 Leave a comment on verse 15 0 Downing’s play was quite delightful then he gave it too much height,
When he sought to bring in Morrison, standing way out on the right,
A move that first showed promise had so quickly come to nought,
And frustration’s ever greater, for long-suffering home support.

¶ 16 Leave a comment on verse 16 0 Argentinian, Carlos Tevez, is introduced by Hammers’ chief,
Replacing Marlon Harewood, who shakes his head in disbelief,
He immediately looked lively and he’s not yet broken sweat,
Undoubtedly, the new man poses Boro’s greatest threat.

¶ 17 Leave a comment on verse 17 0 The popular Maccarone’s now brought on for Rochemback,
And, within about five minutes, he had the Hammers on the rack,
The much-loved Gladiator showed great skill and real persistence,
Took the ball around the ‘keeper and then broke Hammers’ resistance.

¶ 18 Leave a comment on verse 18 0 Cattermole first won the header then ‘Super Sub’ reacted quickly,
Outthought the Hammers’ stopper and finished oh, so slickly,
From the very tightest angle when the chance appeared zero,
Once again: had Maccarone become the Boro’s late, late hero?

¶ 19 Leave a comment on verse 19 0 But, can we now hang on? The prize is really so immense,
The minutes tick on by: the situation’s now so tense.
Then came a mighty roar as the final whistle blew,
With great relief, the loyal fans, could barely utter, “Phew!”

¶ 20 Leave a comment on verse 20 0 This was a pretty dire performance for the players to inflict,
And the only consolation was that three great points were nicked,
That’s three home wins on the bounce so greater things may lie in store,
Next week it’s mighty Liverpool so could we possibly make it four?

¶ 21 Leave a comment on verse 21 0 George Kirby

¶ 22 Leave a comment on verse 22 0 (11-11-2006)