17: Beat Bradford City 2-0

The lights of Victoria Park Stadium pierced through the cool evening breeze.

The stands were packed with people, and blue and white scarves formed a surging ocean.

The first round of the EFL Trophy, an insignificant cup match, had attracted far more attention than usual due to the team's recent miraculous performance.

Lin Feng sat in the VIP box, his gaze sweeping across the stands.

He could hear the fans' cheers rising and falling, feeling that pure passion for football.

This passion formed a subtle contrast with the data from the World-Class Club Development Platform in his mind.

In the commentary booth, Martin Tyler cleared his throat, his voice, with a hint of excitement, broadcast through countless radios and TV speakers.

“Welcome to Victoria Park Stadium. It's the EFL Trophy R1 North, Hartlepool United at home against Bradford City. Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both teams.”

His partner, Andy Gray, took over, scanning the list in his hand.

“For the home team, Hartlepool United, manager John McDonald has made some rotations today, but the core framework remains unchanged. Goalkeeper is number 1, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, this Greek goalkeeper has been playing steadily recently; the defensive line consists of number 2, Darren Williams, captain number 5, Michael Nelson, number 4, Ben Clark, and number 3, Matty Robson, forming a solid defense; the midfield is number 8, Mark Tinkler, number 6, Gary Liddle, and number 7, Anthony Sweeney, these three support the team's offense and defense transitions; up front, number 9, Jamie Vardy, continues to lead the line, with number 11, Adam Boyd, and number 10, Joel Porter, on the wings, their attacking prowess is highly anticipated. It's worth noting that their new signing, Robert Snodgrass, whom they just signed from the amateur League, is on the bench. Whether this young Scot will make his debut today has also piqued the fans' interest.”

Lin Feng's gaze fell on the player tunnel entrance.

Old John Mcdonald stood there, a rare calmness on his face.

This calmness stemmed from his absolute trust in Lin Feng's predictive ability.

Martin Tyler's voice rang out again, with a hint of anticipation.

“For the away team, Bradford City, they have lined up in a 4-4-2 formation today. The goalkeeper is number 1, Donovan Ricketts; the defenders are number 2, Simon Elliott, number 5, Darrell Clarke, number 6, Mark James, and number 3, Ben Coker; the midfielders are number 7, Omar Daley, number 4, Michael Branch, number 8, Lee Clayton, and number 11, Dean Windass; up front are Gates and number 10, Eddie Johnson.”

The sharp whistle cut through the night sky, and the match began.

Hartlepool United showed their determination from the very first minute.

They dominated the field, the ball flowing smoothly between the blue and white jerseys.

Vardy, the beast unleashed by Lin Feng from the eighth-tier League, once again used his speed to attack the opponent's defense.

Every time he started, he tried to pierce through Bradford City's seemingly solid backline.

Bradford's defenders felt immense pressure.

Their turning speed seemed incredibly clumsy in the face of Vardy's explosiveness.

In the 28th minute, an opportunity arose.

Midfield general Mark Tinkler successfully intercepted the ball near the center circle. He didn't hesitate, looking up and accurately spotting Vardy's running path.

A precise, ground-hugging through ball pierced the gap between the opponent's two center-backs.

Vardy understood instantly and exploded into action.

His speed drew gasps from the entire stadium.

Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts, Vardy's eyes were exceptionally calm. He deftly dribbled past him and then easily slotted the ball into the empty net.

The ball rolled into the net, as if proclaiming a triumphant victory.

1-0!

Victoria Park Stadium instantly erupted.

“This Vardy, he's simply a goal machine!”

Andy Gray's voice was full of admiration, almost a shout.

“His speed is incredible. Bradford's defenders simply can't keep up with him, and this isn't the first time he's outrun an opponent!”

Lin Feng's lips curved into a slight smile.

Vardy, this unpolished gem, was rapidly showing his true brilliance.

This was exactly what he wanted.

At halftime, Hartlepool United went into the dressing room with a one-goal lead.

Bradford City's few sporadic counterattacks were all calmly defused by goalkeeper Konstantopoulos.

In the VIP box, Lin Feng's expression remained calm.

He picked up the phone, dialed the dressing room number, his voice steady and clear.

“John, in the second half, strengthen the wing crosses.”

“Their defense is very compact, like a besieged city.”

“To break it, we can't just focus on the city gates.”

“We need to first take out their reinforcements on the periphery, defeat their flanks.”

“Also, get that Scottish kid ready to come on, give him some time.”

Old John listened to Lin Feng's instructions, his eyes full of understanding.

The second half began, and Hartlepool United's wing attacks became even sharper.

Both full-backs constantly pushed forward, and midfielders also actively moved towards the wings.

Bradford City's wing defense, under the relentless onslaught, began to struggle.

In the 60th minute, the fourth official on the touchline raised the substitution board.

Robert Snodgrass, wearing the number 14 jersey, replaced Anthony Sweeney, who had expended a great deal of energy.

Lin Feng's gaze was fixed on this young Scot with a freckled face and a hint of shyness in his eyes.

Snodgrass, another important piece in his future blueprint.

He stepped onto the pitch, took a deep breath of Hartlepool's cool air, and his eyes instantly became focused.

He knew this was his chance to prove himself.

His entry revitalized the team's right-wing attack.

He didn't rely on speed to break through like Sweeney, but instead used more refined footwork and passing vision to tear apart the opponent's defense.

In the 75th minute, Snodgrass received a pass on the right wing. He didn't choose to cross, but instead used a skillful sole-of-the-foot drag to evade the onrushing defender.

He dribbled along the touchline, and the opposing defenders couldn't get near him.

Near the byline, he suddenly delivered an insidiously curving cross with his golden left foot.

The ball bypassed all defenders, accurately finding substitute striker Kevin Kyle at the far post.

Kyle leaped high, delivering a powerful header.

Opposing goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made a world-class save, just managing to block the shot.

Although he didn't score, Snodgrass's stunning cross had already shown everyone his value.

A gasp of admiration erupted in the stands, and fans began to whisper, discussing the new Scottish kid.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Lin Feng's face.

This was exactly the effect he wanted.

In the 85th minute, after a long period of attacking, Hartlepool United earned a corner kick.

Adam Boyd stood at the corner flag, took a deep breath, and sent the ball into the penalty area.

The ball arced through the air, flying towards the center of the box.

Left winger Adam Boyd, keenly seizing a gap in the opponent's defense within the box, got ahead of everyone else and powerfully headed the ball into the net.

2-0!

The suspense of the match was completely over.

The final whistle blew, and Hartlepool United defeated Bradford City 2-0, successfully advancing to the next round of the EFL Trophy.