The hard-won victory against Ashbourne made a strong statement. It showed the league, and more importantly themselves, that they were not just a skilled attacking team but also tough, smart, and patient, able to win in the toughest situations. However, that win raised the stakes even higher.
At training the following week, the atmosphere was electric. Every pass was sharper, every tackle was harder. They were tied with Riverton at the top of the table, separated by just two goals. Their next match, the biggest of the season, was away at Riverton.
Coach Shaw called them to the center circle after a demanding session. "You all know what this Saturday is," he said, his voice cutting through their heavy breathing. "It's a top-of-the-table clash. It's the match everyone will be watching." He paused, allowing that to sink in.
"And they will be watching," he continued, looking over the team. "The scouts who were here before? They're coming back, and they're bringing colleagues. I've also heard that the England U16 staff will be watching the game since Riverton has two players in their setup."
A wave of nervous energy moved through the players. In the past, this news would have sparked panic within the squad. But this time felt different.
Later that evening, in the changing room, Mason and the captain, Jake, gathered the team. "Listen," Jake said, his voice calm and authoritative. "We all heard what the coach said. The sidelines will be full. Let them watch. They aren't on the pitch. We are. We beat Ashbourne because we played as one. We will beat Riverton the same way. Play for the badge on your chest, not for the notepads on the sideline."
Ethan, feeling the usual pressure, found an unexpected sense of calm. He had already worked through his personal struggle of balancing ambition with teamwork, and he had come out ahead. His new study plan with Mr. Davies was successful; his mock exam grades were solid, and his mind was clear.
His mum noticed his mood at dinner the night before the game. "You seem calm," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I am," Ethan replied, surprised to realize he meant it. "It's a big game, but... I'm ready for it. We're ready for it."
The next morning, the bus ride to Riverton was quiet, but it was the focused silence of a team before battle, not the anxious silence of a team hoping to win. Riverton's ground was packed. Their supporters were loud and hostile, pressing against the barriers, a sea of their club's colors. This was, by far, the most intimidating atmosphere they had ever faced.
In the cramped away changing room, Coach Shaw delivered his final speech. "This is it," he said simply. "Everything you've worked for, all the pre-season running and tactical sessions, leads to games like this. They are talented. They are physical. They are on their home pitch. Do not give them a single inch. Go out there and show them why we are at the top of this league."
Ethan led the way as they walked down the narrow tunnel. The roar of the home crowd hit them like a deafening wave as they stepped onto the pitch. He looked at the Riverton players, their faces hard and confident. He found Mason and Callum. They shared a single, determined look. This wasn't just a match. This was the match that would define their season.