10: Vardy's stunning debut

Lin Feng sat in the VIP box, calmly observing everything on the field.

Old John Mcdonald's barely concealed anxiety did not stir a single ripple in his heart.

He trusted his own judgment, and even more, he believed that the 'Beast Heart' he had ignited would fully erupt today.

The moment Vardy locked eyes with him in the player's tunnel, his gaze firm, Lin Feng knew he had made the right bet.

As soon as the whistle for the start of the match blew, the atmosphere at Victoria Park Stadium was ignited to its peak. Lin Feng's gaze sharply focused on every detail on the field. He saw Hartlepool United's players, like a pack of long-suppressed hounds, following the strict orders he had given through Old John before the match. From the very first minute, they unleashed a mad-dog-like high press on Darlington. Lin Feng's lips curved slightly upward; this was the football he wanted, this was the soul he had injected into this team!

Especially Jamie Vardy, leading the attack, he was like a beast unleashed from its cage, using his almost unreasonable speed and inexhaustible stamina to repeatedly assault Darlington's aging defensive line. Darlington's center-backs, Ian Miller and Matthew Clark, were nearly seventy years old combined; where had they ever seen such a spectacle? Every one of Vardy's sprints was like a sharp knife, piercing their slow turning speed, throwing them into disarray. Lin Feng watched Vardy run tirelessly on the field, a strong sense of satisfaction welling up in his heart. This kid was indeed born for football.

In the commentary box, Andy Gray's eyes widened: "Oh! Hartlepool United's pressing is too fierce! Darlington's defenders can't breathe! That number 9, Vardy, his speed is incredible! This doesn't look like the style of a League Two team, it's too aggressive!"

The opportunity came in just the 8th minute. Vardy, in a frantic press in the attacking third, successfully dispossessed an opposing defender. Lin Feng's eyes followed the trajectory of the ball closely. He saw that Vardy showed no hint of selfishness, looked up, and immediately delivered a precise through ball to his teammate Adam Boyd, who was making a diagonal run. Boyd was through on goal! Lin Feng's heartbeat didn't quicken at all; he knew this was just the beginning. Unfortunately, Boyd's shot was too central and was heroically saved by Darlington's experienced goalkeeper, David Stockdale.

Although the shot didn't go in, the fans in the stands had already erupted in gasps and applause.

They saw hope, they saw the team's complete transformation! Especially that number 9, that kid from the amateur League, he's not just fast, he's smart! Lin Feng was not surprised by this; Vardy's football IQ was far beyond what most people perceived him to be.

The time came to the 15th minute. Hartlepool United's pressing was effective once again! Midfielder Mark Tinkler, like a fierce tiger, successfully intercepted an opponent's pass near the center circle. Lin Feng silently praised this smooth cooperation. Tinkler didn't hesitate, immediately passing the ball to Anthony Sweeney beside him. Sweeney didn't even trap the ball, directly swinging his right foot and delivering a long over-the-top pass that bypassed Darlington's entire defensive line! The ball arced gracefully through the air, precisely finding that figure who was making a frantic forward run—Jamie Vardy!

"Fast! Too fast!" Ian Miller despairingly realized that as soon as he turned, that number 9 had already swept past him like a blue flash of lightning.

Vardy used his astonishing explosiveness to easily shake off the defense and dribble into the penalty area! Facing the onrushing goalkeeper Stockdale, the hearts of all Hartlepool fans in the stands were in their throats.

Lin Feng's eyes didn't blink; he knew the most exciting moment was about to arrive.

However, Vardy showed a composure unbefitting his age. He didn't choose to shoot himself, but after attracting all of the goalkeeper's attention, he deftly laid the ball off to the middle! There, another forward, Joel Porter, had already arrived, and facing an open goal, he easily tapped the ball into the net!

"Goooooooal!!!" Victoria Park Stadium erupted completely! 1-0! Hartlepool United took the lead in the derby! The fans cheered wildly; they were not only crazy for the goal but also for Vardy's selfless assist! This kid was a team player!

In the VIP box in the main stand, John Stone and several club directors jumped up excitedly, but Lin Feng remained calmly seated in his position.

He saw the goal, and a faint smile played on his lips.

This was not just a goal; it was the best proof of his vision, the reward for his bold decisions. Everything was within his expectations. It was as if he wasn't watching an intense match, but rather enjoying a play he had personally directed, unfolding perfectly.

Darlington, after conceding, completely panicked. They tried to organize counterattacks, but in the face of Hartlepool United's fierce midfield battle and breathtakingly fast transition between attack and defense, they made frequent passing errors and couldn't organize any effective offense. Lin Feng watched the growing anxiety and despair on the faces of the Darlington players, feeling even more certain. This team had been transformed beyond recognition by him, filled with fighting spirit and passion.

As the first half drew to a close, in the 43rd minute, Hartlepool United earned a corner kick. Center-back Ben Clark leaped high, his header was bravely saved by the goalkeeper, but the ball didn't fly far, leading to a scramble in the penalty area! Midfielder Gary Liddle smelled an opportunity; he cleverly rushed forward and, with a follow-up shot, powerfully sent the ball into the net! 2-0! Before halftime, Hartlepool United scored again!

When the referee blew the whistle for halftime, the entire Victoria Park Stadium had turned into a sea of joy. Two goals up! Against their arch-rivals Darlington, this was a dream first half! Lin Feng stood up, walked to the box window, and looked down at the fervent stadium. He felt the immense passion erupting from the Hartlepool fans; this was exactly what he wanted. Today, Vardy's performance and the team's new look announced to everyone: Hartlepool United had been reborn from the ashes. This was just the beginning, he knew, countless challenges still awaited him, but he was ready.