Away Game

By Dewi Griffiths and John Washbourne

Football means everything to three friends from a dead end British town who have now hit their mid forties. They have supported their under-performing home town team through the lean years. Now success has come their way - for the first time in a generation their team has qualified to play in a European football competition.
But when Dean receives a ban from all football games due to hooliganism, their plans to go to see this away game together seem doomed. Joe was planning to take his troubled son Ben to his first ever football match in an attempt to bond with the troubled teenager obsessed with a death metal music. Craig is struggling with PTSD after a difficult army career, and needs distraction from everyday life.
When Craig finds out that Dean is terminally ill, Craig hatches a plan to travel to northern Finland with his friends to watch their final away game together, come what may, avoiding Dean's travel ban.
Craig, his two friends and their sons travel to a quiet backwater at the very northern edge of Europe for the match.
Soon Craig realises he is in a simmering conflict zone, between Paganism and Christianity. Ben's favourite death metal group are from this remote and isolated town. What Ben took to be the theatrics of their music is actually the reality of this place in the far north. And what these Pagans worship is actually out there in the northern forests. Waiting in the darkness. In this game there is no extra time: just sudden death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781999926342

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Last Game of the Season

Not all towns in England are picture postcard perfect. It takes all sorts. Before the war (the one Craig's grandfather used to talk about, not any of the ones Craig had fought) towns like this were centres of industry. Plenty of work for everyone. The massive mill which used to dominate the town once clothed the world; now it is apartments for people who work in Manchester but can't afford to live there in the big city. There used to be so much work that half of South Asia seemed to have moved in while no one noticed. Then the work moved away leaving no jobs for anyone who was left behind. The only reason this place is on the map today is football.

This old mill town is now overshadowed by a new shiny football stadium. The town only comes alive every other Saturday. Twenty thousand people coming into town to spend hard earned money and be entertained.

Craig and his mates are on a three hundred mile round trip to see something special. Something they have not seen since they were kids. They are sitting in the Away Stand. United supporters may be easily outnumbered by the local fans, but its eleven against eleven on the pitch.

Craig watches the crowd roar and scream like animals all around him. Craig has been away for well over twenty years and he hasn't missed a thing. United have achieved nothing in that quarter century. Now in a couple of minutes, when they beat this bunch of Northern twats they are going to Europe. His mates have never been out of Britain except to pull birds on a beach in Spain. So this is big. He can't miss out on this with his mates. When they were kids United was everything. To Dean and Joe, United has never stopped being everything.

Its been a long road to get here. Rainy nights in crap towns like this one. Failure. Pain and embarrassment. Dean screaming encouragement and abuse with equal force as he always does. Crew cut hair slicked against his head in the pouring rain. Wide eyed, teeth bared. Joe watching, silently, looking at what's happening all over the pitch, not just on the ball. The thinker. Danny, Dean's son disinterested at the moment, checking his phone. Nudging his dad. Showing him the phone screen. Dean looking to see. Fuck me. They scored another one. All we have to do is win this game Craig.

Craig looks up at the scoreboard, to get his view blocked. Robbie. Half his age. Half his intelligence. Dean probably knew his mum because he looks more like Dean than Danny does. Same haircut. Same bad attitude. Diet Dean; half strength. Twice as annoying.

Two minutes left. United one goal up. Craig feeling the atmosphere. Feeling hundreds of eyes on them. Feeling the anger. Sensing what's to come. Trouble is moments away. And they are far from home. He can't contain it any more. Craig gets to his feet. Right, get moving.

Eh? Craig, its almost done mate. Relax will you? Enjoy the moment Dean pulls Craig back into his seat.

The game's over. Time to go.

What's the problem Craig? Joe is concerned.

Over there. Craig motions to a group of home supporters scouting the away fans.

Robbie sneers. Them? Pussies Rambo. What you worried about?

Your boy. Craig glances at Danny, still looking at his phone.

Dean puts his arm around his boy. My problem Craig. Its OK. Right son?

Danny isn't paying attention.

Craig gets up again. Dean pulls him back into his seat. Its Ok Craig. We're all together mate. Don't worry. You're with us mate. We got to see this. That's why we're here.

Another attack on United's goal. Craig closes his eyes. The player shoots, the ball going far into the crowd. The roars deafening. The whole place shaking.

A whistle. A roar from everywhere around Craig. He opens his eyes. Dean and Joe jumping up and down, hugging each other. Danny watching everything going on. Robbie shouting abuse at the home fans.

A boo. A wave of negative energy. Pure hatred thrown at them by twenty thousand home fans.

Fucking northern cunts! Dean celebrating in Craig's ear.

Craig looking around at the angry faces. We should have left.

The home fans leaving the stadium. Craig can already read the club's name written out in the plastic seating.

What's your fucking problem Rambo?. Robbie again. Craig has only just met him and is contemplating the most painful way to hurt him right now.

They're outside. In our way.

The celebrations continue. Craig sitting looking straight ahead. Stressed does not start to describe it. Not fear. Stress.

The United fans explode out of the stadium. United! United! United! United!.

Craig watching from the middle of this crowd. Police and home supporters watching them go.

Dean hugging him. We’re in Europe! I never thought I’d see it. This is the best thing that's happened to me Craig.

What about your boy?

Eh? It goes over Dean's head. Dean ruffles Danny's hair. You’re a lucky little bastard, son. Seeing this. This is where all my money's going for the next year. Bit of travel. Maybe go to some places you've been Craig.

I hope not.

Oh come on, what's wrong with you?

Joe momentarily concerned. Galatasaray. Spartak Moscow.

All them firms. Yeah... Dean overjoyed, thinking of the fighting, not the football.

To Dean every game is a battle, on and off the pitch. Dean revels in the violence and is good at it. Unlike Joe, the quiet kid. Craig couldn't wait to get out of their dead end town. He joined the army and left. Today he probably should feel like he missed out. But he's too stressed to think of anything right now. But maybe Dean is right, Craig has turned into his dad.

Craig reading signposts, following the crowd. Visibly bristling as they enter an underpass. Hurry up lads, the train leaves in ten minutes.

Dean shakes his head. Bollocks. Come on, let’s find a pub. Assuming there’s something drinkable in this piss-hole town.

A group of Home Fans idling in the gloom. One guy. Three hundred pounds of articulate kebab eater turns on Dean. Fuck off home, you southern cunt!

Craig restrains Dean, dragging him forwards, but can't stop Dean's mouth working.

I'm sorry mate. Didn't mean that at all. I mean, this is lovely this. You're the first white fucker I've seen here. Even your stadium looks like a fucking mosque.

Craig seeing the police video unit up ahead. Dean, come on will you? No trouble. We got to get to the train.

Danny sees the group of Police videoing the crowd too. Dad, cops.

Both sets of fans aware of the cameras. Dean smiling broadly for the cameras, Hello Mum!

The United fans filing past the video camera, and the twenty offices with meat wagons parked up nearby. The Home supporters following. Closing. Dean pulling free from Craig. OK, OK. Lighten up. The whole party move forward. But Dean stops.

The Home Supporters closing fast. The big guy bearing down on Dean, aware of the police still nearby.

Dean smiles, hand outstretched. Sorry mate, I was only having a laugh. The distance between them closes in a second. Dean grabs his hand. And head-butts him. The man's hands pull back to his face. Dean smiles, takes aim and kicks him in the nuts. The man goes down. Dean runs, but is not as quick as he was, and is caught by a handful of Home Supporters.

The Police rush forward as the away supporters turn to help Dean. Robbie grabs Craig and Joe. It’s Dean! Come on!!!! Robbie and a few other United supporters rush to help Dean.

Craig, Joe and Danny stand watching in disbelief.

Dean! Fucking hell!!!! Craig moving to help Dean, but looking straight into a Police Video Camera. He can't get involved. Oh fuck! Dean! Get out of there!

The Police move in to break up the fight. Dean in the midst of the fighting, stamping on a home fan. A policemen grabs him. Dean punches him full in the face. Instantly more police swarm him. Dean is dragged away. The other United supporters including Robbie turn and run. Danny panicking. Dad! Dad!

Joe watches in disbelief seeing Dean being dragged away. Stupid bastard. Looks like we’re not all going to Europe then.

Danny grabs Craig. Craig, do something!

I can’t Dan. They’ve got him. Come on I’ll get you home! Craig leads Danny off down the road, with Joe by his side. Robbie stands shouting abuse at the Police then turns and runs after his mates.

Dean is loaded kicking and screaming into a Police Van. The door slams. Dean's face sobers. Oh shit, what have I done?

CHAPTER TWO

What's the Plan?

A different town, a southern port town. Home. A crappy stadium. Here nothing has changed in twenty five years. The buildings look the same. Except someone took away the phone boxes. And maybe half the shops on the High Street. And maybe something else more important. The town's soul.

Now the town is a part of the commuter belt for workers in London. It could be anywhere. United is the only thing that makes it different. When the lads were growing up, you worked in town at some dead end job, or joined the army. Football on Saturday. Girls on Saturday night. Sleeping late on Sunday. Craig got bored and signed up. Dean and Joe liked the routine.

A corner pub with lights burning on a June evening. The George & Dragon. Iconic of an earlier time. St. George's flag outside, with eastern European accents behind the bar.

Inside, the local newspaper on the table. Sports page - United to Play Europa League Tie in Slavos. Dean, Craig, and Joe sitting around the table in the corner of the bar.

So where the hell is Slavos? Dean confused.

Craig knows. Finland I think. It’s not a holiday destination.

Dean wound up. Who cares. We gotta go. All of us.

Joe sighs. Dean, what bit of a ten year ban don’t you understand? They’ll turn you back at the airport.

Dean slams his fist on the table. Fuck it!!!! I got to get out there!

Dean, you need to be at the police station here on the morning of the game. They won’t let you travel.

But it’ll be the last chance we get.

Joe nods in agreement. You’re not wrong. I can't see us getting into round two. I’m going over. I’m taking Ben.

What??? Dean looks at Ben. The Emo kid, dyed black hair over his face. Jet black clothes. A black Death to Christ’s Children Death Metal T-shirt, headphones on, in his own little world. Sitting a couple of tables away as not to be associated with Joe. Joe mate, you’ve never taken him to a single game! What's his mum going to say about that?

I need to spend some time with him. While I still can.

Dean explodes. Fucking hell!!! I’d kill to go and you’re taking a lad who hates football. Fuck you!!!

Joe and Craig exchanging glances. Dean. Get a grip!

No carry on Joe. Spend the fucking money. She'll fillet your bank account when the divorce comes through, just like Julie did to me. Fucking cow.

Charming. I’ll get this round shall I? Joe heads off to the bar, stopping off with Ben, who pointedly ignores him.

Craig nudges Dean. Dean. What’s the matter with you?

Nothing.

Nothing? Count yourself lucky mate. Why you didn't go to jail is anyone's guess. There’ll be other games.

Nah, it’s too late for that. I’m fucked.

How do you mean?

I won’t see the end of the season.

Why not? Where you going?

Dean doesn’t respond. Tears well up in his eyes.

Dean? What the fuck?

This was going to be my last away game. I ballsed it up as ever.

Dean. You’re worrying me.

There's a reason I didn't go to jail. Won’t be around for too long mate. The doctors give me six months. The ten year ban is just bullshit.

Craig is stunned. His head reeling.

Big C. Nothing they can do.

Fucking hell!!! Have you told Danny? Julie?

No. It was one last trip. You, me, Joe and Danny...

Craig nods at Ben and laughs. Don’t forget the Emo.

Dean laughs. How could I forget the fucking Emo.

Craig thinking fast. OK. There'll be a way. What if we go early or something? Before they miss you?

Yeah. What they going to do? Fuck 'em!

I’ve got the minibus. Some camping gear. Joe will chip in.

Jesus! You think?

Fuck it. Why not? We’ll work it out.

Thanks mate. You always were the one with the plan.

Joe arrives with drinks. So, what’s the plan Craig?

CHAPTER THREE

Arrivals & Customs

A deep grey late summer Scandinavian sky. Just after sunrise. The sky leaden above a colourless sea. The ferry's propellers churning the grey Baltic waters. The smell of diesel from the engines overpowering the smell of the sea. The throb and hum of the giant engines drowning out the breaking of the waves alongside the massive vehicle ferry.

Seagulls wheeling overhead. A break in the mist. The land looms up ahead. Cranes. Cargo containers. A busy port. The ferry manoeuvres glacially to come in to dock.

Craig on deck with Dean and Joe, drinking coffees as the morning light begins to break through the clouds. The sunlight illuminates the dreary deck. It brings no warmth nor colour.

Ben and Danny a little further away, putting distance between themselves and the old guys. Ben puts his headphones on and tunes out. Bored to death with this trip for the third day in a row.

A young French student couple, backpacks already on their backs, step between the boys and lads. Isabel and Jacques watching the land get ever closer.

Jacques mutters in French, as disappointed as the boys beside him with the view revealing itself through the mist. Where are you taking me Isabel?

Isabel is vivacious and excited. You’ll love it. I promise. This place has a fascinating culture. Some towns here haven’t changed since the Middle Ages.

Suddenly Isabel is shoved aside as Robbie rudely pushes his way against the rail so he can stand beside Dean. Jacques reacts, pushing Robbie back.

Robbie squares up to Jacques. Get out the way you tosser!

Jacques pushes back again.

Robbie loving the aggro. You think so mate?

Isabel pushes in to defend her boyfriend in broken English. Leave him alone! Peton!

Robbie snarls. French. Should have guessed. He pushes Isabel backwards into a group of passing children who scatter. Jacques aims a punch which never happens.

Craig steps between Robbie and the young couple, taking charge. Robbie, what the fuck you doing? You’re a fucking liability! He turns to the angry Isabel and Jacques who back away despite Craig's efforts at friendliness. I'm sorry about that. The children's parents pull the children away to another part of the deck. Sorry. No harm done I hope?

Isabel pulls Jacques away realising there are a crowd of them with the leery Robbie. The parents continue to usher their children away as a Ship's Officer comes towards them to confront Craig and the others.

Craig sees the man coming and smiles broadly. No problem here mate. We’re on our way.

Joe leads Ben away from the trouble. Come on Ben, we want no part of this.

Robbie sneers at the Ship's Officer. Craig pulls him away. I said enough, Robbie! Dean, sort him out! I told you, we should never have brought him.

Robbie tries to pull free. Let me go Rambo! Awwww!!!

Craig puts Robbie in a painful wrist lock. Listen you stupid cunt. We’re going through Immigration in a few minutes. We want to keep a low profile, right?!? Craig lets Robbie go.

Robbie massages his wrist. OK! OK! Keep your hair on!

Come on, lets get down to the bus. Craig leads them away down the stairs towards the vehicle deck.

The six men and boys cross the vehicle decks towards a white British minibus: Craig’s van. A dozen years old. Well maintained but basic. 'Craig's Taxis' in big blue letters on the side, along with Craig's number. Craig's main means of income and support. Incongruous along side the private cars in this part of the ferry's vehicle decks.

Craig reading the riot act to the lads. I’m serious Dean! All of you! Just fucking behave OK?

Dean realising that Craig is talking sense. He should toe the line for now. Alright, alright. We’ll keep our heads down.

Robbie laughs to himself.

Craig rounds on Robbie. Robbie. You shut the fuck up and all

What have I done?

Get in the fucking van!

Craig unlocks the minibus and the lads pile in. Ben and Danny bringing up the rear.

All around them, passengers are returning to their cars. A few engines start as daylight floods in from the far end of the deck. The ferry is disembarking.

The cars are moving off and the minibus starts to move. Ben sits squashed into the corner of one of the back seats with the bags. He puts his headphones on and plays music from his phone. Fast. Angry. Not English. Screams and roars over thrashing guitars and crashing drums. A soundtrack of rage in the van where otherwise the mood is lightening.

Ben looks at the phone's screen. Playing: 'Death to Christ's Children'. 'Tervetuloa'. The band's logo - interlocking rectangles.

Craig's minibus snakes its way down the exit ramps with the other cars, down onto land. The traffic following arrows with signage all in Finnish. Up ahead, something in a number of languages: Passport Control. European Union badges along with the Finnish Blue Cross on White flag. The cross on its side. It strikes Ben the cross has been toppled over.

A face at the window. Ben nearly jumps out of his skin. Oh Christ! The Ship's Officer from the ferry is looking in on Ben. Looking curiously at him, trying to read his T shirt. Everyone turns around.

Robbie gives the Ship's Officer the bird. What you fucking looking at?

The Ship's Officer starts talking into his walkie talkie and walks on.

Craig is furious. "What the fuck