13: League Cup first round

The second match of the new season, the first round of the England League Cup, saw Hartlepool United challenge Rochdale, another League Two team, away from home.

If they wanted to win more prize money in the Cup, then this match was not to be lost.

Rochdale's Spotland Stadium. The cheers of the home fans mingled with the sound of rain hitting the stands.

Lin Feng sat in the away team's VIP box, calmly observing everything on the field.

He knew that playing away, especially in such weather, was a test of the players' physical endurance and will.

As the match began, Rochdale, spurred on by their home fans, played exceptionally tenaciously.

They did not, like Darlington, have their formation disrupted by Hartlepool United's opening 'mad dog' pressing.

On the contrary, Rochdale's defensive line was very tight, and their midfielders actively tracked back, completely restricting the initial phase of Lin Feng's 'high press to quick counter-attack' tactic.

Vardy's speed advantage was not fully utilized; several attempts to sprint were anticipated by the opponent's experienced defenders who either positioned themselves early or double-teamed him.

"Rochdale's defense is very well-organized today; they are extremely well-prepared," commentator Andy Gray's voice came from the TV in the box, with a hint of surprise, "Hartlepool United's attack is being contained, especially their ace, Jamie Vardy; his speed advantage hasn't fully come into play yet."

Lin Feng's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He knew this was the norm in professional football; no tactic could always be invincible.

He needed his players to show adaptability on the field and the fighting spirit not to give up in adversity.

However, the cruelty of football is that you never know when a fatal blow will come.

In the 35th minute of the match, Hartlepool United made a passing error in midfield, which was intercepted by Rochdale's midfielder.

The opponent did not hesitate for a second and immediately launched a quick counter-attack!

After a few simple passes, the ball reached the edge of Hartlepool United's penalty area.

Rochdale's striker, Lee Crooks, received a diagonal pass from his teammate inside the box; he didn't even adjust, directly hitting the ball with a powerful, thunderous shot!

The ball flew towards the goal like a cannonball, and although goalkeeper Konstantopoulos tried his best to make a save, the angle was too tricky, and he could only watch helplessly as the ball found the back of the net.

1-0! Spotland Stadium instantly erupted in thunderous cheers, and the home fans were ecstatic.

Lin Feng's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of unwillingness ignited within him. He didn't just want a flash of brilliance from Vardy; he wanted a team with an iron will.

When the halftime whistle blew, Hartlepool United's players walked off the field dejectedly, the rain washing away their frustration.

In the locker room, Old John Mcdonald's face showed no sign of panic.

His gaze swept over every bowed head, his tone firm and powerful. He recalled Lin Feng's calm and precise analysis before the match, and the B plan he had prepared for him.

The boss was like an omniscient "prophet," always able to foresee all potential difficulties in a match and prepare all the ingenious strategies for him. This filled him with confidence.

"Heads up! It's only one goal down!" Old John shouted loudly, "In the second half, our full-backs need to be bolder in pushing forward to assist! Midfielders, you need to make more runs into the penalty area! We will use sustained pressure to completely break down their defense! They can't hold on for ninety minutes!"

The second half began, the rain stopped, and a faint ray of sunshine even broke through the sky, as if signaling a turning point. Hartlepool United's players seemed reborn; they played with more determination and aggression. Both full-backs frequently pushed forward, and the midfielders began to constantly attack the opponent's penalty area. Rochdale's defense, facing Hartlepool United's wave-like attacks, began to falter. Vardy found more space on the wing; he repeatedly used his speed to break through, causing chaos in the opponent's backline.

Lin Feng watched the changes on the field, a slight smile playing on his lips. This was what he wanted to see: never giving up, never surrendering.

In the 70th minute, the opportunity finally arrived! Left winger Adam Boyd, after a series of feints on the left, delivered a precise cross! Substitute striker Kevin Kyle leaped high in the penalty area, heading the ball powerfully into the goal!

1-1! A deafening cheer erupted from the away fans' stand!

The match entered its final stage, with both sides exchanging attacks, but neither managed to change the score again. As the ninety minutes of regular time were about to end, the match seemed to be heading towards extra time. Lin Feng's heart beat a little faster, but he knew that real opportunities often appeared at the last moment.

In the 92nd minute of injury time, Rochdale's last attack was thwarted, and the ball fell to midfielder Mark Tinkler's feet. Tinkler didn't hesitate; he looked up and saw that blue lightning bolt initiating its run! He used his last ounce of strength to deliver a through ball that sliced through the opponent's entire defense!

Jamie Vardy!

He burst forward like a wild horse unbridled, using his characteristic explosiveness to accelerate instantly and surge into space! Rochdale's center-back Ben McMahon desperately stretched out his leg but couldn't even touch Vardy's shirt!

One-on-one!

Time seemed to slow down at this moment. Vardy's eyes saw only the opponent's goal and the onrushing goalkeeper. This time, he chose not to pass; he would end the match his way! On the edge of the penalty area, he calmly adjusted his stride, and with a gentle push of his right foot, the ball arced precisely, past the goalkeeper's fingertips, and slowly rolled into the far corner of the goal!

2-1! A last-minute winner!

"Goooooooal!!! A last-minute winner! Jamie Vardy! It's him again!" Commentator Martin Tyler's roar echoed through the sky; he practically screamed his throat raw, "This young man is simply made for big occasions! In the very last moment of the match! Hartlepool United take the victory away from home! Unbelievable! This is truly an incredible comeback!"

Vardy sprinted wildly towards the corner flag, took off his shirt, and roared to the heavens, while his teammates rushed over like madmen, piling on top of him.

In the VIP box, John Stone and several directors embraced excitedly. Lin Feng finally showed a satisfied smile on his face. This victory not only brought valuable promotion prize money to the club but, more importantly, it once again proved Vardy's never-say-die "beast heart" and his potential as a clutch player.

Very good, this uncut jade was slowly being polished by him to reveal its dazzling brilliance.

Lin Feng's gaze swept over the roaring stadium, looking towards a more distant future. In his mind, the Player Radar of the World-Class Club Development Platform had already quietly begun operating, searching the vast map of Europe for the next batch of undiscovered "prodigy" players who could help him build his football empire.