142: The A19 Derby of the "Kindergarten" (Part 2)

The data on the System Interface changed dramatically.

Player Emotion Monitoring

Jones: Tension 96%, Confidence 23%, Risk of Collapse

Bridcutt: Tension 88%, Pass Accuracy Down 15%

Team Morale: Danger Zone

Lin Feng's brows furrowed slightly.

This was the first time he had seen the system issue a 'Risk of Collapse' warning.

He immediately picked up the communication device.

"John, immediate timeout, gather the players."

"Tell them, this is when the real game begins."

On the sidelines, Old John received the instructions and immediately requested a medical timeout from the fourth official.

Seizing this opportunity, Hartlepool United's players gathered in a circle.

"Listen, lads."

Old John's voice was soft, but everyone could hear him clearly.

"I know you're frustrated right now, but this is football."

"A Derby has never been a contest of skill, but a battle of will."

He looked at Jones.

"Liam, do you remember what the Boss told you?"

Jones wiped away tears from the corners of his eyes, his voice choked.

"He said I had the potential to be a great player."

"Then now is the time to prove it."

Old John's gaze sharpened.

"Not everyone believes in you, but the Boss believes, and I believe."

"Now, shut up those who mock you!"

The timeout ended, and the game restarted.

Hartlepool United's players returned to their positions.

Jones took a deep breath and wiped away his tears.

He thought of his days at the Phoenix Training Center, and every piece of guidance Lin Feng had given him.

"Focus on the game itself, don't be affected by outside voices."

Darlington continued their high-intensity pressing.

But this time, Hartlepool United's passing became more cautious and precise.

Bridcutt began to find the rhythm of the game; his passes were no longer rushed.

In the 20th minute, Hartlepool United launched their first threatening attack.

Smith received a pass on the wing and used his speed to break past the opposing full-back.

His cross found Jones in the penalty area.

But the 15-year-old striker clearly hadn't adapted to the physical intensity of the EFL Trophy.

He was easily pushed aside by the opposing center-back, missing a scoring opportunity.

"What a pity! Hartlepool United missed a great chance to equalize!"

"Jones is still too young, lacking experience."

Darlington's players began to relax their guard.

They believed these kids had been completely defeated, and the remaining time was just garbage time.

Joachim even started strolling in the attacking third, no longer actively participating in defense.

But Hartlepool United's players did not give up.

Under Old John's encouragement, they gradually began to adapt to the rhythm of the game.

In the 30th minute, a crucial moment arrived.

A Darlington midfielder made an overly aggressive challenge while pressing and was shown a yellow card by the referee.

This yellow card seemed like a signal.

Hartlepool United's players realized that their opponents could also make mistakes and get nervous.

Bridcutt began to control and pass the ball more boldly.

His vision and technique stood out in this level of competition.

In the 35th minute, the opportunity finally came.

Darlington made a passing error in their own half, and the ball was intercepted by Smith.

The 19-year-old winger immediately launched a counter-attack.

He dribbled at high speed, attracting two defenders.

At the most critical moment, he chose to pass rather than go it alone.

The ball accurately found the onrushing Bridcutt.

Bridcutt didn't hesitate, striking a low shot towards the bottom left corner of the goal.

But Darlington's goalkeeper Pressman reacted quickly, diving to tip the ball out for a corner.

"A brilliant save! Pressman saved Darlington!"

"This counter-attack by Hartlepool United was very well executed!"

Corner kick opportunity!

Bridcutt walked towards the corner flag, preparing to take it.

Hartlepool United fans in the stands began to make noise.

Though few in number, their support was clearly audible.

"Come on! Lads!"

"Show them the fighting spirit of the Northerners!"

In the 38th minute, the turning point arrived.

Bridcutt took the corner, and the ball arced perfectly.

Inside the box, Smalling leaped high, preparing to head the ball.

But a Darlington defender made a fatal error.

He pushed Smalling during the challenge, which was spotted by the referee.

The whistle blew!

Penalty!

The entire stadium instantly fell silent.

Darlington's fans couldn't believe their eyes.

"This is impossible! The referee was bought!"

"Black whistle! This is a black whistle!"

But slow-motion replays clearly showed it was indeed a clear foul.

Hartlepool United had a golden opportunity to equalize.

Jones walked towards the penalty spot, holding the football.

All eyes were on the 15-year-old.

His legs were trembling, but his gaze was unusually firm.

Darlington's goalkeeper began psychological warfare.

"Little one, are you sure you want to take it yourself?"

"Do you want an adult to help you?"

Jones ignored him; he placed the ball on the penalty spot.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped back a few paces.

Darlington fans in the stands began to make frantic noise.

Whistles, boos, and curses blended into one.

But Jones's world suddenly went silent.

He remembered what Lin Feng had told him in training.

"A true striker has only the goal in his heart."

Run-up, shot!

The ball flew like a cannonball, straight for the bottom right corner of the goal!

Though the goalkeeper guessed the right direction, the ball was too fast; his fingertips only brushed it.

The ball hit the net!

1-1!

Equalized!

The 15-year-old Jones defeated the experienced veteran goalkeeper in the penalty shootout!

He excitedly ran towards the stands, kissing the Hartlepool United badge.

His teammates rushed over, wildly lifting the young hero high.

"Goal! Jones! The 15-year-old stepped up at the most critical moment!"

"This is the charm of football! Youth is capital!"

Hartlepool United fans in the away stand erupted in thunderous cheers.

"Our kids have grown up!"

"This is the spirit of Hartlepool United!"

Darlington's players looked at each other.

They never expected these 'kids' to actually equalize the score.

Joachim kicked the turf, his face filled with unwillingness.

"Damn brats!"

In the final few minutes of the first half, neither side created any absolute scoring opportunities.

The referee blew the whistle for halftime.

1-1, the two teams were tied.

As Hartlepool United's players walked towards the tunnel, their steps were noticeably more determined than at the start of the game.

Jones was surrounded by his teammates, a confident smile on his face.

The 15-year-old had completed his coming-of-age in the Derby.

In the Darlington locker room, the head coach was yelling at his players.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"Being pushed around like this by a bunch of kids!"

"In the second half, I want to see some fight!"

Meanwhile, in the away team's locker room, the atmosphere was completely different.

Old John walked in, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Gentlemen, I am proud of you."

He looked at each young face.

"The Boss just sent me a message."

Everyone perked up their ears.

"He said you played like men in the first half."

"In the second half, go play like champions!"