A fantastic collection of poems about every aspect of football. There's The Song of the Sub, a heartrending lament for the fate of the one who is left on the bench; My Favourite Goal (a West Bromwich Albion one, naturally!); as well as a ballad celebrating The Goals of Bingo Boot. Written in many different poetic forms, Friendly Matches celebrates Allan Ahlberg's own love of the game. (9+)

Published in Viking