Roy of the Rovers Total FootballPart 3Melchester Rovers win 3-1 over Boston Braves as it happened

Braves fall in International Champions Cup exhibition match

Marco De Loon scores first goal in Melchester Rovers uniform

Jake Cheetham, Alex Lees add goals for Premier League power

Melchester Rovers mission on this warm Massachusetts evening was to reach for the game-fluidity they require come the opening day of the Premier League against Castleton, a quest that was kick-started in Fridays 1-0 victory over New York Hammers in Queens. ForBoston Braves, Johan Seegrun sent out the same XI that started then in an identical 4-2-3-1 shape despite his plan to operate a 3-4-3 in the fresh campaign.

In front of the watching Roy Race, Rovers controlled the opening against a Major League Soccer outfit who had lost 5-2 a few days ago against Shaun Royces California Canaries in a contest billed as the East vs West Derby.

Marco De Loon produced the first bright moment as the 21-year-old took the ball and dribbled at the home defence in a show of strength. The shot he hit at Dan Brighton was fierce enough for the goalkeeper to spill, though Richie Lyons could not make him pay on the follow-up.

As Rovers asserted themselves more chances were created. Two of these had Seegruns men ahead before half-time. In the first, Drew Powell passed to Jake Cheetham, who was hovering to the left of the area. The No9 hit a cross-shot towards De Loon but with the Dutchman failing to get a touch on it despite his best efforts, Cheetham claimed the opening strike as the ball passed Brighton into the back of the net.

This was just after the half hour and within minutes Rovers had doubled their advantage. This time, there were no doubts that De Loon was the scorer of this one. A dodgy back-pass from Gianluca Piagini aimed at Brighton left the keeper stranded. De Loon nipped in and slotted a cool finish past the home No1. Two-nil to the visitors.

Rovers were coasting so what happened next will have infuriated Seegrun. As Julio approached Nathan Daniels goal, he ghosted past Danny Luik too easily and from near the byline the midfielder found Faisal Alade who beat the Rovers goalkeeper from close range.

That was about it for the opening stanza, though Lucas Cleary made one dashing run at the Braves before the referee, John Matthews, blew for the break. As the teams wandered off against the panoramic backdrop of Chestnut Hill, the manager may have been preparing a few stern words for Luik. Whether this XI had made any progress in the search for that all-important rhythm was arguable. To have scored one more goal than in NYC was the only clear and obvious improvement.

As expected Seegrun sent out the same second half outfield side that took on the Hammers at the weekend. The big loser here was Declan McKaffree. Seegrun has said the Irishmans failure to sign a reduced deal means he wants to look at other players ahead of the new term. So McKaffree was reduced again to watching as Rovers kicked off for their final half of pre-season. This time they attacked the open end of the Braves Stadium, which is graced by an outdoor bar thought to be the worlds longest.

The awful free-kick Alex Lees offered up suggested the teenager had been drinking there. The youngster tried a clever sideways pass but found only Michel Compteur. From here Rovers were spun on their heels as the Braves raced downfield but the threat fizzled out and Lees escaped serious embarrassment.

Redemption, though, was soon his. From the right Jamie Marshall swept over a delivery and Lees thumped a header home and that was 3-1 to Rovers. Despite the clearly visible empty seats the attendance was given as a capacity 18,000. At the same time down in New York 80,226 were crowding into Giants Stadium to witness Real Varagosa take on Brooklyn Dynamos. The discrepancy would have been considerably less if Seegrun had not switched this contest from Boston Memorial Stadium last month to cut down on the travel he dreads so much.

He will not care less. What should exercise him is the strategy for the opening Premier League matches. The outings against Castleton on Saturday and Everpool the week after will show whether Seegrun remains true to his promise to bring Total Football to Mel Park.

Seegruns second stanza XI were no better than the first. Towards the end Nick Batty hit an aimless pass and then hung his head. The evening proved this kind of exercise: at the moment Rovers are rather far away from the slick and quick football machine Seegrun wants. To ensure they are not seriously under-cooked for the Castleton game the Dutchman should surely field his best XI as a unit in the behind closed doors friendly versus Tynefield City on Tuesday in the hope it will click and convince.

Melchester Rovers first half (4-2-3-1): Daniels, Page, Burgess, Piedra, Cleary; Luik, Powell; De Loon, Cheetham, Marshall; LyonsMelchester Rovers second half (4-2-3-1): McDermott, Carpenter, Fletcher, Carruthers, Small; Batty, Stein; Jordan, Lees, Jacobs; DicksonBoston Braves(4-3-3): Brighton; Victory, Branco, Classen, Potter; Alade, Piagini, Julio; Doga, Appiah, GonzalezAttendance: 18,000* * *The mountain village of Salares was surrounded by some of the best hiking routes in Southern Spain. John Rogers had only recently begun to explore the countryside, yet was quickly falling in love with the aromatic hillsides, scattered with lone olive trees, ruined farm buildings and the odd mountain goat. Although late-August was cooler than June and July, the temperature still exceeded a comfortable level for the Englishman. He tried to stay out of the sun until early evening, but in spite of his efforts now sported a deep tan and sun-kissed golden patches contrasted with the grey in his predominantly dark hair and beard. He now dressed like Paco, the owner of the only bar in town; loose white shirt, sleeves rolled up, shorts today for his walk, but usually dark trousers and sandals. He hoped to appear like a typical local to the few English tourists who passed through the village, only his poor Spanish would betray his nationality. John crossed the neat Roman bridge at the foot of town, which traversed a long dried up stream. He wanted to stop in Pacos for a beer. A long walk always deserved a reward, hed have a couple of beers in the bar and then a gin and tonic (or three) indoors, before feeding his cats. He started the struggle up the steep slope into town, passing ramshackle sheds full of chickens and the large goat shed that somehow did not give off any disturbing odour. Neat vegetable patches added flair to dusty red yards; peppers, onions, broad beans, sweet potatoes, and caned beans and tomatoes, he counted. Perhaps he should make the effort to clear the backyards of Colins other properties and grow some of his own vegetables.Sound carried in odd ways along the narrow streets of Salares and as John neared the top of the slope feeling his limp, which always played up on such gradients, he heard a familiar yet out of place sound. It was the cackling drawl of a Midlander, one loud male voice, two or three quieter men and a woman. He listened intently trying to confirm the accent. He had been largely successful in avoiding the English, but now would have no choice. Outside Pacos, the family were spread out across the street; kids kicking a ball about, dads drinking beer from pint glasses, mums supping sangria and smoking. The ball rolled towards John, who chipped it back to the boy.Then panic struck; Johns pass was perfectly controlled on the chest by the youngster, a chest sporting the red and yellow hoops of Melchester Rovers. Thanks mister, great pass! the boy said, John tried to put on a spurt, but knackered from his long walk and cramping leg, he could barely break into a hobble. The largest man in the group also wore a Melchester shirt. John scanned the rest of the group, Rovers shorts on the other. He could feel their eyes upon him, surely hed be recognised, he could not wait to see. He dived into the tavern, squeezed past two regulars and up to the bar. A quick glance over his shoulder; Paco was busy clearing the tables, the bar was dark, no-one outside would be able to see inside. So he dived behind the bar and hid between two metal beer barrels. The Melchester fans were in discussion, but this time quietly, It was him wasnt it? said one, It had to be, look how he panicked and then disappeared. The women joined in, Who are you talking about? Who have you seen? John sat tightly waiting to hear his name, sweat pouring from every gland, knees knocking together, fingers twitching. He leapt to his feet as his right leg cramped up, holding in a cry of pain, John darted into the kitchen and barged through a back door onto the dusty back track that ran parallel with the high street.

It was over, he had heard his name; the Englishmen would be posting their discovery on Twitter or Facebook right now. John was soon at his front door, no-one had followed, that was clear; the village was a maze of narrow alleys and lanes so no visitor could ever find a quick route to his house on the hill. He collapsed into the sofa, chest pounding, it was time to think clearly. What can I do? He thought, nothing really. Who would arrive in Salares first, a friend, a colleague, a journalist, or the police? Hed check social media, his sighting would be big news, probably trending on Twitter. Online newspaper articles would soon follow, those would give an indication of whether the police were interested, if comments were disabled they would already be on their way. John poured a large gin over ice and filled the glass with tonic water. He changed shirt and donned an oversized sunhat and shades, taking his drink with him to the roof terrace. The terrace offered a view across town, he could not see the bar, but he could spot the gravel patch on the edge of the village which was used by visitors as a car park. There were two compact cars, both silver, both with large bright yellow car hire stickers on the rear window, they obviously belonged to the Melchester supporting group. Hed camp up here and watch until they moved on. He cursed the drone of a cement mixer that drowned out any chance of hearing conversation. Was there any way he could retrieve the situation? Johns criminal mind switched on; neither the women nor children were playing on phones or tablets, chances are they had not bought roaming data. That meant there was a significant probability of nothing yet being posted online. All five adults were drinking, there were empties and sangria is potent, they would all be well over the drink drive limit of one unit. There were four young children and a baby, that added up to two overloaded cars. Rogers knew what he had to do; those two cars must not complete the return journey. The children may be innocent casualties, but the situation was desperate, he had killed before and was willing to kill again.* * *

The futuristic new development that lined Melchester Shipping Canal gleamed in the summer sunlight. A dozen or so press photographers were gathered dockside for the official unveiling of the new 2015/16 Melchester Rovers kits. Captain Jake Cheetham, the photographic Drew Powell and goalkeeper Nathan Daniels were on duty, in full kit posing in fresh adidas strips. David Roth was on hand to field any questions, but it was a relatively low-key event and the press seemed quite happy to snap away. One of the few remaining old warehouses provided the backdrop for the gritty urban style Rovers were using to promote the club.

As Cheetham and Powell played keepy-uppy, Roth explained the mega-bucks new sponsorship deal with Orbital Sport. It was the biggest deal in Premier League history, worth 45million a year, the terms only agreed in the previous week. Johan Seegrun was salivating at the possibility of being granted another a bumper transfer kitty to spend before the close of the summer transfer window. Orbital Sport had just signed the most spectacular television rights contract with the Premier League, breaking BIG Sports monopoly of professional English football. Every top-flight club stands to benefit enormously and it was this incentive that had tempted the Basranians to reinvest in Melchester Rovers. They could now realistically aim to run the club without significant losses and with Champions League qualification turn a profit. But for now the attention was on the Rovers stars and their shiny new hooped adidas strip. Roth addressed the crowd, This seasons kit reminds us of the early 80s. In hoops Melchester Rovers won an F.A. Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and a League Cup. We all hope that in this classic design Rovers can add another piece of silverware to our collection.David Roth called time on the launch and the players slipped into the back of a club minibus to get changed. Jake Cheetham had been concerned with the teams pre-season form, Nathan, what do you reckon of this Total Football? The big goalkeeper was experienced enough now to pass accurate and insightful judgements from his position at the back where he could scan the field, It makes me nervous; when we pass the ball along the backline and those short balls into midfield, Im on my toes ready to rush out. Its too risky for the Premier League. Powell nodded in agreement, he had been asked to play as the holding midfielder, the link man between defence and attack, the pivot as Seegrun called the position, I dont like it either, boyo. I dont like to play with my back to my opponent, especially that deep. I cant see whats going on until its too late. Against Tynefield I kept getting robbed, the systems making me look rubbish! Come on then captain, tell us what you think!

The skipper was a long-term fan of Johan Seegrun and his philosophy, but even he had his doubts, For me, we were so lucky that the Tynefield match was at the training ground and our fans and the media werent there to see it. We were a shambles! As we build up slowly, I look around and see bunches of our players under each others feet, then the next second the same players are isolated. Its nuts, we dont know what were doing! Powell pulled on his jeans, You need to speak with the boss. If he goes with Total Football against Castleton on Saturday we could be humiliated! If we get beaten by a newly promoted side, at home, playing rubbish, I dont like to think what could happen to us. We need a good start fellas and I dont think well get one with the 3-4-3!Now fully dressed the footballers made their way home; Nathan Daniels had driven his new Ferrari to the docks and sped off to the exclusive suburb on the east of town where he resided in a huge eight bedroom Florida-style villa, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, cinema room and every mod-con the modern footballer needed or wanted. Cheetham and Powell lived together in more modest surroundings, although the penthouse apartment they shared in downtown Melchester would be the envy of the vast majority of the residents of the Midlands city.

As captain of the biggest club in Europe, Jake rarely paid for anything. He drove a Range Rover, the Melchester franchise gave him the new model every year, the small sticker in the back window identifying the dealer was enough payment and publicity. Drew was captain of Wales, he too had many sponsorship deals, he had a Ferrari too, in Wales and Rovers red, but today the boys rode in Cheethams truck. Jake was still uneasy about Seegruns tactics, Drew, mate, what am I going to do? The boss is counting on me to support his ideas. Castleton will be his first real game in charge, how bad would it look if I told him that none of us want to play his way?It was only a short drive to the town centre, about ten minutes in light traffic. Jake drove slowly into the underground garage beneath the residential tower where he and Drew owned the top floor. His mobile buzzed on the dashboard, Read that Drew, whats it say? The Welshman did as he was told, Its from Johan, a text, Need to see you before training tomorrow- Total Football is off. Well Ill be; thats a surprise! Cheetham backed the car into his designated space alongside Powells Ferrari. He was yet to say anything in response to Seegruns text message. But he was relieved, the 3-4-3 system was a struggle, the only player who looked comfortable was new signing Marco De Loon and he had grown up with it. The phone went off again, the message was clear, 4-3-3 Daniels, Piedra, Carruthers, Burgess, Cleary, Powell, Luik, Cheetham, De Loon, Lyons, Jacobs? The question mark intrigued Jake, The boss has sent me a line-up, he wants to know if I approve. He handed Drew the phone, I like the look of that! Looks like a Melchester Rovers side to me none of this fancy Dutch stuff! The star midfield pair laughed together, perhaps the Castleton match would not be such a worry after all. * * *

The flash of blue lights reflecting off the whitewashed walls of John Rogers bedroom woke the Englishman from a light sleep. The sun had yet to rise, he guessed the time to be three or four oclock. He would wait until breakfast then head down to the scene of the accident. He put his head down and in what felt like seconds later awoke as the sun shone through the open curtains onto his face. Rogers quickly got dressed and put on a simple disguise, baseball cap, sunglasses and 2008 England football shirt. He would ride on the quad-bike along the road to the next village. The sirens still sounded, the accident had happened no more than two kilometres out of town, exactly as planned.A stern looking officer of the Guardia Civil waved calmly as Rogers approached, signally him to slow down. The road was blocked, four Guardia jeeps were parked on the far side of the barricade. Rogers turned his bike around and parked out of sight beneath the canopy of a copse of eucalyptus. He climbed the hillside, hiding behind the ancient olive trees until he had a clear view over the road. A huge pool of blood stained the tarmac, the horse carcass Rogers had placed in the road had been dragged into the gutter. There was no sign of the two silver cars; however tyre marks were clearly visible, skewed off to the outside of the bend. The crash barrier was broken, bent over the edge, dangling over the valley below. Rogers walked on, up higher to get a better angle. He could see a crane approaching from the south, driving slowly along the road, escorted by two local police motorcycles. An ambulance was on the scene, but neither its lights nor sirens were on, this told John that any survivors had already been taken away.Rogers sat on a smooth rock under an almond tree, watching and waiting. The crane approached the accident. John cracked a few almonds with a stone, placing the nuts in a groove in the rock. He had to be patient and wait for the cars to be retrieved from the gully. The rescue or retrieval team worked remarkably quickly, within ten minutes the first car was hoisted clear and placed carefully on the road. It was a crumpled mess, in Johns opinion nobody could have survived such an impact. It appeared he was right, as minutes later luminous clad men hauled four stretchers into view. The bright red plastic boards were not carrying living beings; the bodies had been concealed in bags, zipped up tight. Rogers scratched four marks into the soil, symbolic of the four adult sized body bags that the paramedics were loading into a van.One more and Ive done it, thought Rogers, awkwardly proud of himself. The second car was now swinging above the road, the fifth adult clear to see, still in the drivers seat, bloodied and certainly dead. John stood and took a deep breath, snuck back to his bike and made his way home. Blackie, Racey and Tubby were waiting, it was their breakfast time. John gave them each a tickle before entering the house and going upstairs. He reached into the cupboard above the bathroom sink and took out his pills. He needed these again, perhaps if he had continued on his prescribed course last night may never have happened. But John was weary of becoming reliant on drugs, it was only on days like these that he would recognise that they were an essential part of his life. In a way it helped justify his deranged actions, it was as if someone else had committed the crime. Now he needed the control the drugs offered, he had to think rationally about the next step. Storky KnightNEXT 2015/16 Premier League Action!De Loon on the charge