170: Melting of Toffee

Sigurdsson stood before the ball, observing the distribution of players in the Everton penalty area.

Cahill and Anichebe had both returned to their own penalty area.

However, Hartlepool United's aerial advantage was not obvious.

The Iceland midfielder decided to shoot directly.

He struck with his right foot, and the ball flew towards the goal with strong spin.

Howard's concentration was highly focused, and he dove to save it.

The American goalkeeper's glove touched the ball, slightly changing its trajectory.

But the ball still flew towards the goal.

Just then, a blue figure burst out from the crowd.

Shawcross!

The England center-back got to the ball before the Everton defenders and headed it into the empty net.

Two-nil!

Goodison Park fell into a deathly silence.

Forty thousand home fans couldn't believe their eyes.

Their team was not just trailing, but completely suppressed by a League One team.

Shawcross excitedly ran towards the corner flag.

His teammates swarmed around him, embracing him tightly.

This goal completely killed the game.

Even an experienced team like Everton would find it difficult to score two goals in the remaining fifteen minutes.

Moyes stood at the edge of the technical area, his face terribly grim.

His tactics had been completely seen through by the opponent, and his players' physical reserves were also showing serious problems.

This was one of the most humiliating defeats of his coaching career.

Being beaten twice at home by a League One team would become a stain on his professional career.

The match was not over yet.

Hartlepool United's performance continued.

In the 86th minute, they launched another exquisite counter-attack.

After winning the ball in midfield, Henderson immediately passed it to Walker on the right wing.

The young full-back advanced rapidly along the touchline.

Hibbert could no longer keep up with his speed.

Walker cut into the penalty area and chose to pass back.

Vardy followed up and easily tapped the ball into the half-open net.

Three-nil!

A brace!

Vardy excitedly took off his jersey and celebrated wildly on the Goodison Park pitch.

His teammates surrounded him again, a scene that moved even the on-site photographers.

A group of youngsters from League One had put on such a brilliant performance at the home of a Premier League giant.

The match entered garbage time.

Everton's players had lost their fighting spirit.

They mechanically ran on the field, waiting for the painful ninety minutes to end quickly.

But in the final moments of the match, Cahill scored with a header from a corner kick opportunity.

This goal somewhat salvaged some pride.

The final score was set at 3-1.

Hartlepool United completely defeated Premier League strong team Everton away from home, advancing proudly to the League Cup quarter-finals!

The moment the final whistle blew, the fans in the away stand went completely wild.

They sang their team song, their voices even overpowering the dejected home fans.

Hartlepool United's players embraced each other on the field in celebration.

This was one of the most important victories of their professional careers.

Defeating a Premier League team would forever be etched in the club's history.

Old John stood at the edge of the technical area, tears of excitement welling in his eyes.

As an old coach, he had never imagined being able to lead his team to victory on such a stage.

Lin Feng's tactical vision and the players' perfect execution created this miracle.

Reporters in the media box furiously typed on their keyboards.

Tonight's match would become a classic in English football history.

A League One team defeating a Premier League strong team away from home—such a script even Hollywood wouldn't dare to write.

Lin Feng sat in the executive box, a satisfied smile on his face.

The significance of this victory far exceeded the match itself.

It proved Hartlepool United's strength to the whole world.

More importantly, it added immeasurable leverage to the club's commercial value.

After tonight, no one would question Samsung's eighty million pound investment.

After the match, players from both teams exchanged jerseys on the field.

Although disappointed, Everton's players showed respect for this League One team.

Arteta proactively approached Henderson, praising his defensive performance.

“You deserved this victory,” the Spain midfielder said.

Henderson nodded humbly.

“We still have a long way to go.”

But the confidence in his eyes said it all.

After tonight, they were no longer that obscure League One team.

They were warriors capable of fighting on any stage.

As Lin Feng prepared to leave the stadium, something unexpected happened.

His Mercedes-Benz sedan was surrounded by a group of passionate Hartlepool fans.

These away fans were clearly intoxicated by the victory.

A red-faced middle-aged fan excitedly tapped on the car window.

“Boss! We're champions! We're f***ing champions!”

His voice was hoarse but full of passion.

Other fans also started chanting.

“Champions! Champions! Champions!”

Their voices echoed in the night sky over Goodison Park.

Lin Feng rolled down the car window and looked at these loyal fans.

Their faces were filled with pride and happiness.

Most of these people were ordinary workers and shop assistants.

They saved money to buy tickets and followed the team from their northern town to various battlefields.

Tonight's victory, for them, was not just about winning or losing a game.

It was one of the most beautiful memories of their lives.

“Gentlemen, this is just the beginning.”

Lin Feng's voice was calm but full of power.

“Our goal is not a single victory, but to build a dynasty.”

The fans quieted down, listening intently to their boss's words.

“Tonight we proved our strength.”

“But tomorrow we will forget this victory and focus on the next challenge.”

“Because our journey is far from over.”

The fans applauded vigorously.

They believed this man could lead the team to greater glory.

The motorcade slowly drove out of Goodison Park.

Lin Feng sat in the back seat, savoring everything that had just happened.

Through the car window, he saw Liverpool's nightscape passing by.

This city has witnessed too many football legends.

Tonight, Hartlepool United also wrote its own chapter here.

But as he told the fans, this was just the beginning.

The real challenges were still ahead.

The League Cup quarter-finals, the League One title, and the future Championship and Premier League.

Every step would be more difficult.

But tonight's victory proved that nothing is impossible.

As long as there are suitable tactics, thorough preparation, and unwavering belief.

Any miracle can happen.

His phone suddenly rang, and Sophie Green's number appeared on the screen.

“Congratulations, Lin.”

The excited voice of the female reporter came through the phone.

“Tonight's match will go down in history.”

“You created a miracle.”

Lin Feng smiled in response.

“Miracle? No, this is just a manifestation of strength.”

“We never believe in miracles; we only believe in preparation and execution.”

Sophie chuckled on the other end of the line.

“No matter what you say, tonight the whole of England is talking about Hartlepool United.”

“You are no longer that small club.”

Indeed.

After tonight, a new era truly began.