The Frog Prince 1/7

'Can I have my ball back please?'

It was the soundtrack of that summer and had been for most of 1974 so far. She played out in all weathers. But it always seemed to be just as I sat down to tea or to listen to the footie when she knocked. I'd even missed Keegan's second goal in the final because she'd been calling through the letter box.

She had a needy voice. For a girl so young it always seemed so full of disappointment. She was a pretty one though, would be breaking hearts before long and no mistake.