retired_destiny1124

Allye and Faramir met for lunch a few days later. A quiet, but brightly lit, corner resteraunt seemed to chase away the gloom and the shadows that both thought stalked them.

"I guess it doesn't seem that ridiculous after all," groused an unhappy Faramir.

"It was real! I don't really care what you believe it was- but it was real enough to take a slash at me. I don't need any more convincing, thank you!" said an insistent Allye.

"There is nothing more that I know though Allye. You are seeking answers I don't have. I don't disbelieve the reality of it- I am just lost at what to make of it."

"Well, take the facts for what they are. The old man told you that you were the nexus. He told you that you would be called on to make a journey, but not when that journey would start. I think you will see the old man again. Maybe even sometime soon. If you do, I want to be with you- I need my own answers!"

"I still am not about to promise you that you can come on whatever journey he is talking about. If it is dangerous, then you are staying put."

"The hell I am!" she exploded. "Listen Mr. 'Protect-the-damsel'- I don't know where you got ideas like that, but I can take care of myself. I have been for most of my life. If you think you are going to dictate to me..." She sat down suddenly, almost in shock.

Sensing something momentous had stopped her tirade, Faramir stared at her.

"I saw him."

"Who?"

"The old man."

"What??"

"He just walked by on the street. He seemed to glance at me and wink."

They both looked at each other and then stood up. Throwing some money on the table to cover their fare, they both hurried out into the lengthening shadows as the sunset glowed bright orange above the horizon.

"Which way?" asked Faramir.

"This one," said Allye determinedly as she started walking fast down the street.

After a short lighted interlude, they came again to the park. It's spaced lamps offered little pockets of bright light in the swelling gloom, but both were apprehensive about entering.

Finally Faramir said, "He must have come here- this has been the place I have seen him every time."

Sliding her telescoping baton into her hand she looked at him, "Let's go then."

They strolled for a ways into the deeper shadows of the park's centre. "That's it Allye," said Faramir in a soft voice. "Do you see it too?"

"The opening in the woods, yes I see it. Guess we have to chance going in?"

"Guess so."

They entered the small circular clearing, "Well met you two!" chuckled a soft, but firm voice.

The fire flared to life again, seemingly on its own, and the old man looked at them with amusement.

They both sputtered a moment, before the old man held up his hand. "Please be seated both of you. Now is the time for a few answers to both of your questions."

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Both sat down quietly, but expectently as the old man continued to smoke his pipe. Finally, they could see he was settled enough to begin.

"First of all, you both must understand I am not real."

They both gawked at him, but before they could say anything he continued, "At least I am not real in the sense of realness in this world. You might equate me with a strong vision perhaps- or some type of manifestation, but I am not flesh and blood of this world."

He waved both of them to begin, "Let's dispense with your questions first."

"Why did you meet me here? Why did call me a nexus? What journey do you say I will have to take?" asked Faramir in a string of quick words.

Allye Owen sputtered her own set, "How did you reach me in a waking dream? Why did you have me meet this man? What were those things that attacked us?"

Chuckling quietly at the explosion of words, the old man leaned back. "Maybe that was not the best approach. I think I will tell you both a story and then we can see if you are more satisfied."

Piercingly, he stared at Faramir. "Listen closely boy, this has everything to do with everything you have been experiencing. Your 'shadow' needs to hear this as well- so he can relay this tale, so do not be alarmed if you feel company. I am calling him to you." With a wave of his hand, the old man gestured at Faramir and he suddenly felt as if someone was looking over his shoulder.

***

"Lady!"

Startled at his urgency, she immediately appeared to him, "What is wrong Lord?"

"Something- someone is calling me across the curtain. I feel compelled to go. I sense it will not harm me."

Quickly she replied, "Go Lord, follow the calling- perhaps it will provide some answers. I sense nothing fearful either watching or interfering with you- us."

Nodding he let himself fall into a dreamlike trance.

***

"There now, welcome fellow shadow traveller," softly said the old man to Faramir as he struggled to settle his mind. Suddenly, Faramir realized his eyes now serviced more than just himself- but the feeling was of an old friend visiting, so he managed to stay at peace with the realization.

Allye Owen stared wide-eyed at Faramir. Whispering she said, "I see him. Your shadow self is back."

"Nothing to fear dear girl. Now, we must not waste time. My presence here is a danger- but this story and the explanation are both necessary, so it must be risked."

"To both of you, this may seem a fairy tale- but take heed- it is all too real. I told you I am not real in this world- that is true- but I am real in the world of my time and place. The fact that I can present myself to you in this manner is a grave concern, because it leads me to believe an event may be coming that would fully breach the barriers between the world of my reality and yours- and that if this event comes to pass, then I fear the darkness that would pass over both our worlds."

"The beginning of this tale lies long ago even in my world's time. In the world of my reality, magic is real- and powerful. The consequences of magic being used for good, and evil, have shaped my world. They continue to shape my world. We are under the threat of a terrible dark storm rising and sweeping over the land. This darkness is evil incarnate and should this come to pass, all the goodness in our world would vanish for many lifetimes."

"As I said the beginning lies in the storied past. Once, during the heady peaceful times when the darkness was thought vanquished, there were wondorous things of magic. One of these wonders were powerful magic seeing balls- called palantirs."

Faramir was startled at the sudden swaying of his eyesight and vision. He cautiously said, "I have heard of these before- but they were only the inventions of a writer on our world. His name was J.R.R. Tolkein and he wrote a story known as "Lord of the Rings" about Middle Earth- a fantastic tale."

"The tale is not as fantastic as you might imagine," chuckled the old man. "His writings have bearing on the story, but I may not tell you much- we are already playing with fire here. The winds of destiny howl around us, so I must be cautious."

Allye spoke up, "What do these palantirs have to do with us? With our world?"

The old man turned and stared at her, "There, dear girl. You have hit upon the crux of the story. The palantirs were created to allow magical sight. In the last war against darkness in our world, something happened," he paused a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I believe that somehow, whether by accident or design, one of these stones was sent across the curtain between our worlds and came to your world. Because this stone is of our world, unless it is found- I fear it will continue to open the breaching between the worlds."

He paused a moment, "That is the reason I need your help. This is not something I can do- I am not of your world. You must seek what has become of this stone."

Faramir leaned, hunched over gazing into the fire, "I understand now why you need our help. But how can we accomplish this task? To be honest, I still don't understand the task..."

The old man grimly laughed, "Oh the task is easy enough boy. Find the stone. Once the stone is found, I will help you return it over the curtain- that we may fully close the developing gateway that the stone appears to be causing."

"How will we be able to do that?"

His bony finger pointed at Allye. "She will help find it."

"Me?" squeeked Allye.

"You can sense it dear girl. That is why I chose you. I will help you as much as I am able, but you must understand that my presence in your world is dangerous. If the dark forces of my world sense opportunity- they may well try to force a breach on their own, before we can close it off completely. So, this meeting will be something rare- I will need to communicate with you through a friend." He stared over Faramir's shoulder.

"Why me then?" asked Faramir.

"You were chosen because of a special affinity, somewhat a parallel to my world. This affinity eases the crossing of the curtain for your helper- or as the girl called it, your 'shadow'. I will need to use this unique affinity to assist you. Your 'shadow' is no mere pretender boy. He is a Prince of the world and a warrior. Not only that, but he understands both stealth and judgement. See how he even now is drinking in my words with nary a moment of any interruption."

"I need be brief, the effort to maintain myself here is draining me and I badly need this strength in the coming days. I can give you little clue as to the whereabouts of the stone in this world. The only information I can give you on it is that I believe it came to rest in this Kingdom on whatever this isle is. I also feel it must be somehow fractured or broken, because of the fragments of power I feel- instead of the fullness of it."

"Oh great!" Faramir exploded, "Not only do we have to seek this ball. It is broken in a million pieces! How are we supposed to find them?"

"Nay boy. The stone is likely only in a very few pieces. Remember the magic of it is weakened in your world, but it still would not be totatlly ineffectual. I believe it may be in 3 or 4 pieces. If this is the case, we must gather those pieces together. Once in the same location, I can meld them and we can safely bring it across."

Allye Owen spoke up, "Ok, you say I can sense it. Can you give me any idea what that feeling is like? So I know..."

The old man gestured and she could feel the jangling sensation of something raw upon her nerves. "That would be the feeling close to it. It might rather feel like a more pleasant tickle- an inviting feeling- at a distance. It is not natural to this world, so concentrate upon that."

"If she can sense it, why do you need me?" asked Faramir.

"I told you boy- so I can communicate with both of you. There is another reason, but I may not reveal it. I can tell you that you are essential to the quest's completion. You also have the kind of travelling occupation that should allow you both to wander in this search."

"Oh, that's comforting- I have been seeking job security and you suddenly have sentanced me to being a vagabond."

"Only until the completion of this quest."

"What if we don't believe you?" Faramir asked with the sarcasm heavy in his voice.

"Then your world is doomed," stated the old man rather simply.

Allye and Faramir looked at each other- then nodded in unspoken agreement.

"Good! Your search will be an epic journey- that I have seen as well."

"Do you see anything of my friend, my assistant manager Barry Gond?"

The old man nodded, "He will accompany you. I sense the strong bond of his friendship will be essential to the success of this journey."

Allye looked at the shadows a moment, "What were those things that attacked us here?"

The old man looked sharply at her, "Those provided the needed clue- a starting point for your search. They also helped me to understand the stone is almost certainly fractured. Those shadows were a defense- something of the stone that it must have developed once on this world to help ensure its safety. The first piece is somewhere close by..."

"I must leave now- battle calls all too soon. Be well you two, you will hear from my messenger soon." With that he swirled his large cloak and walked off, once again disappearing as soon as he stepped beyond the edge of the trees.

***

The regal lady seemed to be staring a hole through him as he came out of the trance.

"My Lady, we now have some of the answers to our questions."

Quietly, but urgently she said, "Tell me Lord."

"I know not your perception of the curtain, but the story I listened to said the curtain was thinning due to a palantir somehow being sent across the curtain to this other world. The time of this would have been sometime during the last war against the Dark Lord."

"3000 years and we never suspected," sighed Galadriel. "It makes sense in many ways. This cleansing haven was only discovered sometime around then, so it is likely that it is a byproduct of the ball's migration. I will seek to reach Elrond to see what he might make of this information."

"There is more Lady. The story was told by an old man, but he mentioned he is of our world and not theirs. He talked about the danger of his ethereal presence there, that it might awaken the dark storm to the opportunities. Because of that he stated that he needed a messenger to convey his thoughts. This messenger must be me."

"You Lord?"

"Yes. He talked to the person whose mind I apparently can reach as if I were a shadowed presence that would communicate and assist him."

She was silent for a short time, "It is always unnerving to discover one's course may have been manipulated, but if what you are telling me is true, then my choice to bring your mind must have fit another's plans."

It was his turn for a quiet rumination, "Could the choice of me involve having a tool at hand and knowing it might be used?"

She nodded slowly, "Yes, that could be the case. I felt no urging to take this course with you, but I can't deny that the thought of spiriting your mind for safekeeping in this place came unbidden to me. This isn't a place I would normally have considered, nor even a course of action I would have chosen. Yet, when the moment arrived, I seemed fated to intervene for your safety and this place was foremost in my thoughts. It could well be that both of those thoughts were provided to me, yet to do so would surely be from a wizard of no mean skill, as I am not without my own talents and defenses. Did this person mention why you must be the messenger?"

"Not directly. He mentioned that because of the danger he would need a messenger, because he himself would not be able to make his presence there in safety. I believe he was speaking almost directly to me. The person whose mind I can co-exist with has some natural affinity that allows me to reach him across the curtain. Oh, and the person that can see me or my presence in that world was also in attendance. She again stated she could see me or at least a shadowed presence."

"Did they discuss why you have the ability to make your presence felt across the curtain?"

"No, but it must involve the person who I can reach. Something allows us to link. The man and the lady are beginning the search for the palantir on their world, but the old man believed that the stone might be in several pieces. He wants them to gather them up and then he will assist them in returning the stone to our world to heal the breech."

"I am at a loss to know how that might be accomplished," she stated thoughtfully.

The quiet, stern voice shocked them with its intrusion, "There are ways, dear Lady."

Both relaxed when the countenance of Gandalf was made plain to them out of the shimmering clouds. Galadriel murmured, "I might have known it was you, the reassurances lightly touching me had an all too familiar appeal. I thought you lost though. According to your companions you were."

Gandalf winced, "The tale is long Lady Galadriel, and now is not the time for its telling. You are well, brave Faramir?"

"Yes. I believe I must be deeply in your debt at present."

Gandalf waved his hand in a gesture, "Neither here nor there. I realize you must wonder at your presence here- but I don't have time for a fuller explanation. The needs of Minas Tirith are great at present. Know that you are correct- I need you to act as a messenger. You also have another key place in future events, but that may not be revealed- only that you must act with boldness when the moment arrives. I have every confidence in you. As you both suspect, time between the worlds is not the same. A blink of an eye in our world is much time in theirs. Now, you must pass along that the first portion of the palantir might be close to water. I believe it had some special relationship with water in our world. Please pass that along. I dare not linger here either because the Dark Lord would likely sense my presence, but I will continue to message you as I am able. Be of good heart, the quest has not yet failed and we may yet win the day."

***

Allye looked at him, "He still didn't give me any clues to where to start- other than he thinks it is nearby."

Faramir looked blankly at her, then suddenly said, "Somewhere close to the sea. He believes this one has a natural relationship with water somehow." He shook himself slightly, "I guess the messenger service works Ok."

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She was talking to Faramir quietly as they lounged on a concrete ledge outside a store, "It's frustrating. I feel that tickle, but I always seem to get colder instead of warmer in the feeling after I start searching for it."

"Remember it's magic. Maybe something about it changes that feeling."

She stared at her clenched hands, "Maybe you are right. Maybe I am going about this wrong."

"No Allye. I think you are doing the best you can, but remember to be open to new ideas and feelings in searching for something like this.

She nodded, "It can't hurt to try. The feeling the old man gave me that night stays with me as if it were a moment ago, so I think if I can get close it might be easier to find."

"Ask around too. Maybe there is some real world indication of it. Remember it is likely considered crystal or something similar to it.

***

Faramir paced, "Look Barry, I know the entire story sounds fantastic and absurd. But both Allye and I believe it and she is searching for the first piece right now."

Gond looked at him with amusement instead of disbelief, "Strange things always happened to you. Even when we were all younger. I just have one thing to say- I want to go with you." He hurridly continued before Faramir could speak, "The only time we were apart from the time we were young was when you went in the army. Look at how that turned out! Just promise me that I can come along, Ok?"

He was surprised to hear Faramir laughing, "I already asked the old man about you. He said he saw that the bonds of friendship would be important to the quest and that you would come along."

They both started laughing hard and then shook hands with the smile of easy friendship letting both know that the journey would be made in fellowship.

***

"Faramir!" The voice spoke directly to his mind.

"Yes?" he answered feeling slightly foolish to have done so out loud.

"You must reach them. Warn them. They must move to another location, some danger is coming that will theaten both of them unless they are away from their current location. Do it now!"

***

Faramir was walking back to his apartment. "Hear me! There is danger coming to you- to both of you- where you presently are. You must find a new location to continue the search."

He shook his head to relieve the feeling of sharing it and the echo of the words and quickly went to his apartment. Once inside he called Allye's cell phone. "Allye, a message." Following their agreed upon code he said, "Meet me at the crossroads."

***

"What do you think it means," asked Allye.

"It's plain enough I think. There is danger here, somewhere close to us in Dundee. We have to get out of here- move to someplace else while continuing the search."

She smiled, "That is easy enough for me, but what about you?"

He shrugged, "I applied for the open positions at Arbroath and Stranraer. With my reputation at Dundee United, I should be offered one of the positions."

"Won't they wonder why you are moving to a lower division?"

"Not once Sammy Gohl gets going with his poison pen they won't. As soon as I know where Barry and I are going, I will call you and mention a location that starts with either A or S. Head for the appropriate town."

***

Financial Impoprieties at Dundee United?
by Sammy Gohl
Rumors of financial shennanigans gained more credence yesterday. Apparently, the Board have forced out Manager Faramir and Assistant Manager Barry Gond over the 'unusual' books they have been keeping. Despite the rumors, it appears the pair may have been hired at a small, desperate club in Division 2.

***

The cell phone rang, "Yes?" she answered.

His familiar voice said, "I hear that Athens is a lovely place. We will be there soon."

Nodding understanding to herself she said, "See you there."

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Just a note of explanation- I will be gone camping for the next week or so. Educated Hick has graciously agreed to keep up the daily posts on my stories while I am gone. Thanks again Educated

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Apologies to all- that didn't work out too well because Educated never received the text files. In any case back from camping and the story continues...

***

2003- A New Place -- Arbroath

"Well Barry, what do you think at first look?" asked Faramir as they reviewed notes after running their first training session at Arbroath.

"Actually, I am encouraged- I am not sure how they managed to get themselves relegated, but they certainly do seem to have a bit of talent."

"I hope so, the Board expects us to gain promotion with them."

"It looks doable, if we can get some additional players. I think there is a solid core of talent on the club already."

"I was happy to sign on Mark Wilson right away after our old club (Dundee United) released him. He should be a good defender for us. What do you think of the keepers?"

"They aren't overly impressive, but as a group David Hay, Craig Wight and Alan Frame are not bad for Division 2 level. Are you going to keep looking?"

"Yes, hope that I can find a bargain veteran keeper possibly. Besides Mark Wilson, the backline has a bit of talent too- Kirk Willoughby, Steven Fallon, David McInally, John Fisher, Graeme Brown, Paul McAanenay and Andy Connolly. Unfortunately, we are going to lose Connolly in the next few days."

"Why is that?"

"Sheffield Wednesday offered a bid that met his minimum fee release."

Gond winced, "Well, such is the life of a small club. We seem to have very little midfield depth. There is some talent with Billy Macdonald, Amit Bose, John Elliott, Brian McColligan, John Cusick, Mark Bentley, David Arbuckle and Stuart Merron. Despite the bodies, there is not much depth."

Faramir nodded, "That's a problem area that I hope to fix quickly. We have a bit of transfer funds from Connolly's sale and the sale that just went through from last season on the French midfielder Leclerc. That should be enough to allow us some solid additions. I am going over our past scouting reports now."

"We seem to have the same problem at forward by the way- there are only Michael Moore, Kevin Steele, Kevin Heenan and Paul Brownlie on the club."

"One of those 4 wants out as well. Brownlie was related to the past manager and doesn't want to stay now that John Brownlie isn't here anymore. I am obliging him with a place on the transfer list."

"More additions there as well?"

"Hopefully, though we may have to settle for some free signings to bolster them- most of the forwards are pricier than midfielders."

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"The first transfers have gone through," said an obviously pleased Faramir.

"Oh, and how are we doing so far," asked Gond.

"Very, very well. With Alex coming, at least one impact player and a good start as we now have midfield depth."

A Day of Signings at Arbroath.
Arbroath, splashing out some of the funds from the sale of promising young defender Andy Connolly, today announced several transfer signings. The biggest name in the signings is established midfielder Alex Burke, who was also the priciest addtion. Besides Burke, Arbroath landed Philip Creaney, Danny Spiller, Gary Shearer and Chris Jackson in a swath of signings designed to bolster the midfield.

Burke is a 25 yr old AMRL who starred at Clydebank for the past two seasons. His reported transfer price was 120K, by far the highest of all the signings. Jackson, a 29 yr old MC, skippered Stenhousemuir for the past two seasons after moving down from Hibs, and will be expected to provide veteran leadership on a young side. Shearer, a 23 yr old MC, was a teammate of Jackson's at Stenhousemuir, but saw no senior club playing time there. Spiller, a 21 yr old DMC, is expected to apprentice in support of Billy Macdonald and John Cusick in the defensive midfield role. Creaney, a 20 yr old AMC, joins Arbroath from Falkirk where he hadn't been able to break into the senior side.

***

"I feel a bit better now that we have at least some extra bodies at forward," mentioned Gond to Faramir after the news.

"Well, we may have one more- a bigger splash- tomorrow. Depends on the agent accepting the contract. But at least we do have a few more players with some talent. The bad news is despite the additions, we will now likely lose both Brownlie and Kevin Steele. Steele's agent called me to let me know that Kevin wants to move to a higher level side. Given that he is our highest rated player- I am inclined to let him move if someone will bid his minimum fee release."

More Signings at Arbroath
Arbroath continues to bring in new players to match with their new manager as three more signings were announced today. Signing on free transfer to come to Arbroath were 23 yr old Portugese DMC Francsico David Sousa, 19 yr old SC Trevor Clarke, 18 yr old SC Mark Pearson. Sousa, reportedly already being scouted by several Portugese sides after the signing, had played with the Real Madrid B side the past several seasons. Clarke and Pearson are both signings from the England scouting trip taken recently by Arbroath manager Faramir and several scouts.

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Arbroath Brings Burchell
Arbroath today announced the transfer purchase of Kieren Burchell from Elgin City. Burchell was one of the top goal scorers in Scotland last season as he notched 20 goals and earned significant attention. The reported purchase price was somewhere around 50K. The 19 yr old SC is said to be already penciled into the starting lineup, which lends credence to the rumored departures of Kevin Steele and Paul Brownlie.

***

Arbroath Lands Laguardia
Arbroath announced another free transfer signing today as they signed Spaniard Luis Laguardia. Laguardia, a 26 yr old FC, had been with Real Union until released after last season. Reportedly the versatile Spaniard will help provide cover in both the midfield and forward positions.

***

More Arbroath Moves
In what has seemed to be a continuous flurry of player movement heralding the new regime at Arbroath, more transfer moves were announced yesterday. Arbroath sold midfielder Mark Bentley to Shrewsbury for the nominal sum of around 15K, but also completed the transfer purchases of Grant Munro and Ruben Hazell. Munro, a 20 yr old SC, was purchased from Hamilton at a reported cost of 40K and will likely pair up front with fellow youngster Kieren Burchell. Hazell, a 24 yr old DRLC, was purchased from Tranmere for around 65K and could start in any place on the Arbroath backline.

***

Malcolm Moves to Arbroath
In their continuing series of player moves, Arbroath announced the transfer purchase of 23 yr old DC Stuart Malcolm from St.Johnstone. Malcolm, who had seen little senior side time, was pleased to arrive with the prospect of more regular playing time. The reported purchase price was around 75K.

"I thought you were happy with our defenders?" asked Gond.

"I am, for the most part. That doesn't mean I won't grab off a promising youngster like Stuart, if I can get him cheaply enough."

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Lavety Leaps to Arbroath
In what must be considered their 2nd major transfer signing, Arbroath continued to raid Clydebank as they purchased veteran forward Barry Lavety. The purchase of 28 yr old SC reportedly enriched Clydebank's coffers for over 100K and though they are now sufficiently well off in money, their two best players from last season- Alex Burke and Lavety are now both going to be in the starting lineup at Arbroath. With Kieren Burchell and Gareth Munro already in the mix, it is now certain that Kevin Steele will be moving to a new club at some point in the season.

***

Arbroath Grabs Griffiths
Arbroath completed the transfer purchase of promising leftback Thomas Paul Griffiths from Hednesford Town for a reported 18K. Griffiths, a 21 yr old DL known for his top rate pace, has been an exceptional player for his first two seasons and is expected to move into the Arbroath lineup. His arrival signals that established David McInally may well be on his way to a new club.

***

Raith Takes Cusick
Newly promoted Raith Rovers completed their transfer purchase of D/DMC John Cusick from Arbroath today. Cusick, who was thrilled at the prospect of playing in the SPL, jumped to Raith for a reported sale price of around 120K.

***

"Here is the senior squad to start the season Barry," said a tired Faramir.

"You are leaving me lots of talent on the reserve side," smiled Gond.

GK- Craig Wight, David Hay
Def- Thomas Paul Griffiths, Stuart Malcolm, Mark Wilson, Ruben Hazell, Paul McAnenay, Steven Fallon
Mid- Billy Macdonald, Francisco David Sousa, Danny Spiller, Chris Jackson, John Elliott, Alex Burke, Philip Creaney, Gary Shearer, Luis Laguardia, Amit Bose
For- Barry Lavety, Gareth Munro, Kieren Burchell, Michael Moore

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2.8.03
Dumbarton (0) Arbroath (1) League Cup 1st round
Dumbarton- None
Arbroath- Gareth Munro 74
MOM- Stuart Malcolm, Arbroath

"Solid performance for our first real season trial," offered Barry Gond.

"It wasn't bad. We were hitting on most cylcinders- which I was happy to see. Our midfield played extremely well today, which was a great sign."

***

9.8.03
Forfar (0) Arbroath (3)
Forfar- None
Arbroath- Gareth Munro 65,75 Chris Jackson 86
MOM- Gareth Munro, Arbroath

"Three goals in two matches, I think we may have a sniper on our hands," smiled Gond.

"He certainly seems to have the finishing touch around the net. Our forwards look to be one of our strengths this season."

"Once Elliott gets a bit more comfortable in his role- we will have a lot of offensive weapons."

"About the only thing I am worried about at this point- is if we can get steady work from our keepers. If we get that, I think we can gain promotion without a fuss."

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12.8.03
Berwick (1) Arbroath (2) Challenge Cup 1st round
Berwick- Martin Glancy, 62
Arbroath- Luis Laguardia 34 Gary Shearer 82
MOM- Stuart Malcolm, Arbroath

"That was a very nice goal by Gary (Shearer)," stated Gond.

"Timely, too. Both he and Philip had good debuts. I was also pleased with how well Laguardia did stepping in for Elliott. Now is the time to find out how our depth can help us- or at least we can sort out the best use right now, so we will know for later in the season."

***

16.8.03
Berwick (0) Arbroath (2)
Berwick- None
Arbroath- John Elliott 3 Barry Lavety 42
MOM- John Elliott, Arbroath

"I hate it when we have back-to-back matches with the same club," flatly commented Gond.

"Even worse is when both of them are on the road. Still we came through both with flying colors."

"They did seem a bit unable to handle our lineup changes."

Faramir nodded, "Our regular lineup has a bit more pace, and they had trouble adjusting to it. I was really happy with John Elliott's performance- he could be a really good player for us."