Long Shot Read Online Free PDF

know?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “You were supposed to give me a diagram of the eye. A
scientific
drawing, not a poor copy of a Picasso on one of his off-days.”
    The exercise book landed on Roddy’s desk with an accusatory flop, to the accompaniment of muted laughter from Jack’s direction.
    â€œSince when does a diagram of an eye have eyelashes?” said Mr Mustard.
    More people started laughing and Roddy felt himself blush. He’d only drawn the eyelashes on as a joke, to amuse Geno during homework. He must have forgotten to rub them out.
    â€œYellow card,” added Mr Mustard flatly. “And you’ll get a red one if you try to make a mockery of my lessons again.”
    There was a shocked silence as everyone absorbed what he’d just said. Roddy felt terrible. He was the first person in their year to be carded. Now he’d have to throw himself into practice sessions even more, and hope Charlton could pull off a win in their first match.
    Almost everyone sympathised with Roddy after the lesson, even those who were in different houses, and would benefit from his mistake.
    â€œVery harsh,” said Ali, who was in Banks.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Roddy apologised to his fellow Charltons. But Geno, Jimmy, Marek, Keira and others rallied round him.
    â€œIt wasn’t fair,” said Geno loyally. “Maybe I should have owned up that it was me who encouraged you to do it.”
    â€œNo way!” said Keira. “You might have got a yellow card as well!”
    â€œIt’s early days,” said Jimmy. “We’ll make up the points again.”
    â€œI hope so,” said Roddy.
    The only person who scoffed at Roddy’s misfortune was Jack. “Roddy Jones is the first to let his house down,” he laughed. “You’re going to be really popular now. Loser Jones. That’s your new name!”
    â€œTake no notice,” advised Keira. “He’s not worth it. Come on. It’s almost time for the seniors’ match. Let’s go and cheer them on.”
    Unfortunately, Charlton seniors wereplaying Stiles, which meant that Jack would be there supporting his team as well. Roddy chose a spot as far away from him as possible, but just before the match started, Jack made his way down the field so that he was standing opposite Roddy.
    â€œJust ignore him,” urged Geno as Jack’s chant of
Loooser, Loooser
drifted across the pitch.
    Roddy knew it was good advice, but it was hard not to react, especially with so many people around to hear Jack’s insults.
    As the teams ran on, a huge cheer went up from both groups of supporters, and Jack stopped his taunting. Charlton seniors had beaten Stiles several times before, so they were expecting another win. With his ten points to make up, Roddy really hoped they could pull it off today. David Leval was there at the head of the Charlton team, and Roddyrecognised a few of the other, older students, too.
    From the kickoff, Charlton were playing quick, expansive football and really making the Stiles players chase the ball. Pretty soon they were ahead, with a well-worked goal, finished off by David himself. The rest of the half went by with Charlton controlling the game, and their goalie hardly having to touch the ball at all.
    Stiles began the second half much more brightly, and even managed an equaliser, but Charlton’s superior class shone through and they scored another two goals before the final whistle, leaving the final score 3–1.
    Charlton House went in for tea feeling well satisfied. After a few nail-biting moments, the seniors had managed a convincing win. This was an excellent start to the House Cup tournament.
    â€œGreat result! Shame we didn’t get the bonus points for a clean sheet though. What we need now is for Moore to lose in their first game,” a Charlton boy in front of Roddy said. “Moore is always the hardest house to