The morning air was crisp as Daisuke walked onto Blackhaven's training pitch. The preseason was over. The warm-up games, the experiments, the adjustments—it all led to this moment.
The start of the League One season.
They would be facing Portsmouth at home, a historic club with a strong squad. The stadium was already sold out, with fans eager to see how Blackhaven's new signings would perform.
Daisuke turned to Mark Jensen, his assistant.
Daisuke: "What's the mood in the locker room?"
Mark: "Confident. But they know Portsmouth won't be easy."
Daisuke nodded. That's what he wanted. Not arrogance—just belief.
In the locker room, the players sat quietly, some lacing their boots, others lost in thought.
Daisuke stepped forward.
Daisuke: "This is it. The real thing. No more warm-ups."
The players looked up.
Daisuke: "Portsmouth are experienced. They'll try to overwhelm us early. But we know their weakness—their midfield struggles under pressure."
He pointed at Jack Murphy and Nikola Stojanovic.
Daisuke: "You two, control the tempo. We press them, win the ball, and play fast. Use the wings."
Then, he turned to Leon Barnes, their striker.
Daisuke: "When you get a chance—bury it."
Barnes nodded.
Daisuke: "Remember—we're not just here to participate. We're here to win."
The team let out a unified roar.
Kickoff was near.
The referee blew the whistle, and Portsmouth came out flying.
For the first 10 minutes, Blackhaven barely saw the ball. Portsmouth controlled possession, launching attack after attack.
12' - BIG CHANCE FOR PORTSMOUTH!
A cross from the right found their striker, Jason Powell, unmarked in the box. He powered a header—
Saved by Callum Hayes!
Daisuke clenched his fists. They needed to settle down.
Finally, Blackhaven found their rhythm. Stojanovic started dictating play, spreading passes and slowing the game down.
Then, in the 27th minute, the moment came.
Jack Murphy won the ball in midfield and immediately released Daniel Shaw down the right wing.
Shaw sprinted forward, beat his man, and whipped in a low cross—
Barnes met it first-time.
GOAL! 1-0 Blackhaven!
The stadium erupted. Their first league goal.
Daisuke pumped his fist. Perfect execution.
Portsmouth threw everything forward in the second half, but Blackhaven stayed disciplined.
Stojanovic controlled possession, their defense held strong, and every counterattack looked dangerous.
89' - Final Portsmouth Attack!
A late free kick.
Daisuke held his breath.
The ball was whipped into the box—
Cleared by Mason Carter!
The referee blew for full-time.
Blackhaven 1-0 Portsmouth.
They had won.
Daisuke shook hands with Portsmouth's manager, then turned to his team.
Daisuke: "You wanted to prove yourselves? You just did."
The players cheered. The season was off to a perfect start.
As Daisuke walked down the tunnel, his phone buzzed.
A message from Collins.
Collins: "Lucky win. Let's see how long you last."
Daisuke smirked.
This is just the beginning.