The Blackhaven Stadium buzzed with anticipation. Fans packed the stands, eager to see if their team could keep up the momentum after the Coventry victory.
Daisuke stood on the touchline, his hands tucked into his coat pockets. He could feel the shift. The energy in the crowd, the confidence in the players—this wasn't the same club from a few months ago.
They were hungry.
Derby County, however, wasn't a team that would roll over. They were a seasoned squad with Premier League experience, and their captain, Lewis Harding, was a midfield general known for dictating play.
Blackhaven FC vs. Derby County—Kickoff.
12th Minute: Derby controlled possession early, keeping Blackhaven pinned back. Harding orchestrated play from deep, spraying passes effortlessly.
Daisuke watched, calculating. They want to control the tempo. Fine. We'll disrupt it.
He gestured from the sideline. Instantly, Blackhaven's pressing intensified.
19th Minute: Ryan Carter chased down a Derby defender, forcing a rushed pass. Lewis Carter intercepted and threaded a ball to Aaron, who spun past his marker—
Shot!
Saved!
The Derby keeper barely managed to parry it wide.
Daisuke clapped his hands. That's it. Make them uncomfortable.
27th Minute: Derby countered. Harding split Blackhaven's midfield with a through ball. Their striker, Roberts, broke free—
One-on-one with the keeper!
GOAL!
Derby led 1-0. The away fans erupted.
Daisuke remained calm. There's still time.
Half-Time: Derby 1-0 Blackhaven.
In the dressing room, the players sat in silence. The game was slipping away.
Daisuke leaned against the wall, watching them.
"You're overthinking," he finally said. "We're playing on their terms. That's not how we win."
Aaron frowned. "But they're controlling the game."
Daisuke smirked. "Only because we're letting them."
He walked to the tactics board and drew quick adjustments.
"We go man-to-man in midfield. Shut Harding down. Force Derby to play through the wings. They don't have the pace to break us out wide."
The players nodded.
Second Half.
52nd Minute: Blackhaven's midfield stuck to their assignments. Harding was suffocated, unable to find space.
Derby's passing grew sloppy.
Aaron intercepted a pass—dribbled forward—sent it wide to Ryan—
Ryan cut inside and shot—
GOAL!
1-1!
Blackhaven fans roared to life.
Daisuke smirked. Momentum shift.
73rd Minute: Derby struggled. With Harding shut down, they resorted to long balls.
Blackhaven regained possession. Lewis Carter chipped a pass over the top—Aaron controlled it in stride—
GOAL!
2-1 Blackhaven!
Daisuke clenched his fist. Now, we hold.
90+4th Minute: Derby launched one last attack. Their cross curled into the box—
Cleared by Blackhaven's defense!
Final Whistle.
Blackhaven FC 2 - 1 Derby County.
The crowd erupted. Another win. Another statement.
Daisuke exhaled.
Blackhaven wasn't just surviving anymore. They were climbing.