Chapter 45: Fire on the Horizon
Monday, February 1, 2010
The morning sun barely pierced Crawley's grey February sky, casting a weak glow over Broadfield Stadium's training ground, where frost still clung to the grass like a stubborn scar.
Niels stood by the pitch, hands stuffed in his jacket, the squad's chatter drifting from the changing room, their 2-1 grudge match win over Wycombe yesterday a bittersweet fire in their veins.
Today was meant for rest, a chance to lick wounds after Wycombe's brutal tackles, but Niels had called a light warm-up, needing to keep their edge sharp for Thursday's League Two clash against Shrewsbury and the looming FA Cup Fifth Round against Burnley.
Nate Sutton's injury, a torn ligament from Wycombe's vicious midfielder, would sideline him for three weeks, a gaping wound in their midfield.
Niels' jaw tightened, anger simmering at Wycombe's dirty play.
