How to write a matchday piece people read

Lead with what you saw

Start with the moment that stuck with you: the chant that went round after the second goal, the sub nobody understood, the away end going quiet. Details only someone who was there can give are what make a piece worth reading.

Then say what you think

Readers come for a view. Commit to one. "I think the midfield was the problem" beats three paragraphs weighing it up. Opinion pieces are labelled as opinion on the site, so you don't need to hedge.

Keep the facts right

• Check names, scores and times before you publish. List where facts came from; every article shows its sources.
• Never copy another outlet's reporting. Link to it if it matters.
• If you get something wrong, tell us and we'll correct it openly.

Headlines that earn the click

• Say something specific: "Why the 4-3-3 didn't work" beats "Thoughts on Saturday".
• Keep it under about 60 characters so it shows in full in search results.
• No clickbait. A headline that doesn't deliver loses the reader for next time.

Short is fine

400 sharp words straight after the game beat 1,500 written two days later. Save the long read for midweek.