The Blackhaven team bus rumbled down the highway, carrying players locked in their own pre-match rituals. Some had their headphones on, drowning in music, while others stared out the window, lost in thought. The atmosphere was focused, yet tense.
Daisuke sat at the front, watching game footage on his tablet. He had done everything he could to prepare the team. Now, it was up to them to execute.
Aaron, the captain, slid into the seat across from him. "Gaffer, got a sec?"
Daisuke looked up. "What's on your mind?"
Aaron hesitated, glancing back at the team. "Some of the lads are nervous. Coventry's no joke."
Daisuke smirked. "Neither are we."
Aaron chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious. "Yeah, but this is a real test. If we win this, people will start taking us seriously."
Daisuke leaned forward. "That's exactly why we'll win. We've trained harder, we've studied them inside out, and we've got a system they won't be ready for."
Aaron nodded, his confidence returning. "Got it, boss."
As he returned to his seat, Daisuke's eyes flicked to his tablet. Coventry was a disciplined team with deadly counters. If Blackhaven slipped up, they'd get punished instantly.
But Daisuke had a plan.
—
Match Day – Coventry City vs. Blackhaven FC
The stadium buzzed with life as Blackhaven stepped onto the pitch. The away crowd was smaller, but their chants were just as loud.
Daisuke stood by the touchline, arms crossed. He had set the team up in an aggressive 4-3-3, designed to press Coventry high and force mistakes.
The whistle blew. Game on.
8th minute: Coventry's first attack came fast. Their winger cut inside, looking to shoot—only for Lewis Carter to intercept. He quickly sent a long ball down the right flank, where Ryan Carter sprinted forward.
Ryan cut inside and crossed into the box—Aaron met it with a header!
Saved.
The Coventry keeper pushed it wide, denying Blackhaven an early lead.
Daisuke nodded to himself. "That's it. Keep the pressure on."
21st minute: Blackhaven pressed high, forcing Coventry's center-back into a rushed pass. The ball landed at Lewis' feet. He threaded a pass through to Aaron, who turned and fired—
GOAL!
The Blackhaven fans erupted as Aaron sprinted to the corner flag, pumping his fists.
Daisuke clenched his jaw. Good start, but it wasn't over.
36th minute: Coventry fought back hard. A quick one-two down the left wing broke Blackhaven's defensive shape. The cross came in, and their striker rose above everyone—
GOAL.
1-1.
Daisuke sighed but stayed calm. "Focus! Stick to the game plan!"
Half-time.
The team walked into the dressing room, sweat dripping, faces serious.
Daisuke stood in front of them, his voice level. "We're controlling the game. But you let them back in because we lost our defensive shape. That can't happen again."
Lewis nodded. "We need to stay compact."
Daisuke pointed at the tactical board. "Exactly. They rely on fast breaks. If we stop their counters, they have nothing. Stay disciplined, and we win this."
The team nodded in unison.
Second half.
52nd minute: Blackhaven pressed higher, forcing Coventry into mistakes. Ryan cut inside again, curling a shot—
GOAL!
2-1!
Daisuke clenched his fist. Perfect.
70th minute: Coventry threw everything forward. Their wingers kept pushing, testing Blackhaven's defense.
85th minute: A Coventry attacker broke through the lines, one-on-one with the keeper—
SAVE!
The Blackhaven keeper stretched wide, blocking the shot with his fingertips.
90+3rd minute: Final whistle.
Blackhaven 2 - 1 Coventry City.
The players collapsed in relief, celebrating as the away fans cheered.
Daisuke allowed himself a small smile. This was just the beginning.