It''s the beginning of the season and Chris Weston, captain of Danebridge School football team, knows that his team needs goalscorers - players to put the ball in the back of the net.

Two younger boys show promise - nimble Jamie, who can dribble round any opponent, and moody, overweight David (known as Pud), whose cannonball shots are unstoppable. But can Jamie learn to play as part of a team? And can Pud manage to control his temper? When both boys are picked to play for the team in a vital match - the first round of the county cup competition - Chris knows it is up to him, as captain, to help both boys make the most of their big chance...