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Chapter 47 : Wigan Athletic (1)

  The tenth league round, held at the University of Bradford Stadium, was attended by over 20,000 spectators. This match was highly anticipated as it would determine who was more deserving of the top spot.

  Port Vale pyed offensively with a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing pyers who had previously pyed in League One. Due to the FA Cup match scheduled for two days ter, Reinhart did not field key pyers such as Eden, Mike, Harry, Kojima, Mathias, Conrad, Thomas Rhield, Lucas, and Duvant.

  Despite pying without key pyers, the lineup still included Koji Yamane, Ollie Walkot, Anderson Kame, Camara, Iron Lhen, Tom Shield, Mike Aliston, Lorian, and Chris Jhon. Anticipating Port Vale's attacking py, Reinhart used a strategy suggested by Beatrice, implementing a 4-1-4-1 formation.

  In this match, Koji Yamane and Iron Lhen, who were positioned in the center, pyed well. With their defensive approach, they managed to contain Port Vale's attacks. Bradford's compactness in the central and wing areas overwhelmed Port Vale.

  This was especially due to the Bradford pyers' deliberate tactic of marking any pyer in possession with two men, making it difficult for them to see the field and pass.

  At this point, Beatrice was almost acting like the manager, shouting pyers' names and giving instructions from the sidelines, while Reinhart simply observed her.

  Thanks to her guidance, the Bradford pyers were able to py well even though they were outmatched in individual skill. However, despite the excellent tactics, there was a factor that could not be anticipated: set pieces.

  Finally, in the 30th minute, Port Vale scored. Exploiting a corner kick situation, the ball was headed in by their tall striker, Robertson, which Mark failed to anticipate.

  Following that goal, Bradford's defense crumbled, and eventually, Port Vale slowly managed to open spaces for devastating attacks. Beatrice's shouts seemed unable to calm the pyers.

  Until Reinhart stood up and gave specific instructions. Lorian and Koji looked at Reinhart's gestures, and quickly they ran to find open spaces on the left and right wings. They ran even though their team did not have possession, confusing the Port Vale pyers.

  However, the confusion didn't st long. Unexpectedly, Tom Shield managed to head away a cross from a Port Vale pyer. The ball reached Iron Lhen, the midfielder and veteran pyer who had taught Eden how to pass. He then delivered an incredibly accurate long pass towards Lorian.

  The atmosphere heated up on the right side of Port Vale's defense. Lorian managed to get the ball and was dribbling towards the touchline. From behind, Port Vale's full-back ran quickly to close down the space, appearing ready to cut off Lorian's progress, who was starting to run out of options.

  However, in that tight space, Lorian showed extraordinary composure.

  With sharp instinct and mature vision, he suddenly stopped the ball with the sole of his left foot, his dominant foot, pulling it back inside with a smooth drag back.

  In just a split second, his body pivoted to the left, turning 180° to evade the pressure.

  Then, with his right foot now facing the open path, he pushed the ball away from the opponent's reach, towards the inside of Port Vale's penalty box.

  The movement was not only beautiful but also effective. The Port Vale defender chasing him slid into empty space, fooled by Lorian's calmness and turning motion.

  The spectators in the east stand rose to their feet, appuding the action. Even the commentator couldn't contain his admiration, "A Berbatov Spin executed with complete confidence and high precision by Lorian!"

  In that situation, Lorian saw Ollie unmarked and calmly delivered a short pass.

  The ball, rolling right in front of Ollie, was immediately struck hard into the right corner of the goal. With that, the equalizing goal finally occurred just 3 minutes before the half-time whistle.

  Cheers erupted once again at the University of Bradford Stadium. It all started from Reinhart's gesture and the connection between the Bradford City pyers.

  The whistle blew, signaling the end of the first half, marking a break in the tense match between Bradford City and Port Vale.

  Entering the second half, Reinhart made four substitutions simultaneously. Lucien, Duvant, Mathias, and Harry came on, repcing Ollie, Kame, Kama, and Mike Aliston. They immediately implemented a 4-2-3-1 strategy. This strategy had an immediate and significant impact.

  The presence of these key pyers drastically changed the tempo of the game. Port Vale's previously solid defense began to falter. And among them, one name stole the spotlight: Harry Shalked.

  Harry was now pying as a right wing-back, to keep Koji Yamane on the right wing. However, calling him a "defender" felt inaccurate. He was an arrow shot from the right side of the field, darting forward quickly, unstoppable. His speed was extraordinary. With or without the ball, he could leave opponents several steps behind in just seconds.

  Although he didn't have strong defensive tackling abilities, the pressure he applied was enough to frustrate Port Vale's left winger. They no longer had the freedom to dribble. Their breath seemed to be followed by Harry's tireless steps.

  And the moment that changed everything came in the 70th minute.

  Port Vale lost the ball on the left side of the field, thanks to Harry's relentless pressing on Port Vale's left winger. In an instant, Harry stole it and began to run. He started from his own defensive area, but within seconds, he had reached the opponent's final quarter. The grass seemed not to touch his feet; he glided quickly, like a bullet fired from a silenced rifle.

  The spectators held their breath.

  In the midst of his run, with light but powerful steps, he carried the ball as if it were an extension of his body. One, two, three opponents were left far behind. And just when everyone thought he would pass or slow down to wait for Mathias or Lucien, who were running about 4 meters behind him, Harry did the unexpected.

  Just outside the penalty box, without reducing speed, he pulled his right foot back; for a moment, the world seemed silent.

  Then, he unleashed the shot.

  A knuckle shot from 20 meters out.

  The ball flew without spinning, cutting through the air like a meteor. Initially, its trajectory was straight towards the right side of the goal. But then, as if defying the ws of physics, the ball swerved sharply to the left, deceiving the Port Vale goalkeeper who had already jumped in the opposite direction.

  The goalkeeper could only turn his head, his eyes widening as he watched the ball dance in the air and sm into the net. The sound of the vibrating net echoed like the chime of victory.

  GOAL. The score had changed. Bradford City was now leading Port Vale.

  The entire stadium roared. The pyers rose from the bench, and coach Reinhart could only nod slowly. On his ft face, a small smile appeared.

  After that goal, the Port Vale pyers' morale seemed to vanish. As a result, two additional goals occurred, each scored by Mathias and Lucien with quick counter-attacks.

  Until finally, the whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.

  Final Score:

  Bradford City 4 : 1 Port Vale.

  The resounding victory over Port Vale was a breath of fresh air for Bradford City. Now, their position at the top of the league table was even stronger: ten matches, ten victories. A perfect and undeniable record.

  More than just statistics, Bradford was also recorded as the only undefeated team in all English league competitions this season. Their dominance made many begin to take a closer look. Clubs from League One and even the Championship started scouting the key pyers from this young squad.

  Names like Lucien, Duvant, Harry, Mike, Eden, and Mathias began to enter the radar of bigger teams. Some of them had even tried to make direct approaches, attempting to lure these promising talents. However, Bradford's coach, Reinhart, responded calmly.

  For him, transfer rumors were not a big deal. The main focus right now was one thing: facing Wigan Athletic in the second round of the FA Cup.

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