181: Making history

The Bescot Stadium parking lot was already full two hours before the match.

Journalists from all over England hurried through with their camera equipment, and neutral fans held up various placards, the most striking of which read "Witness History."

Lin Feng sat on the bus, observing the scene outside through the window.

The crowd gathered around the stadium was even larger than he had expected; such attention was almost unprecedented for a League One match.

"Boss, the BBC broadcast vehicle is in position."

Richard Arnold turned around from the front row, holding the latest media schedule.

"Sky Sports has also confirmed a three-person commentary team, with Martin Tyler serving as the main commentator."

Vardy adjusted his shin guards in his seat, his movements more meticulous than usual.

Henderson wore headphones, but the music was turned down very low, his eyes fixed on the window.

Schmeichel's fingers tapped a rhythm on the armrest of his seat, a habitual gesture when he was nervous.

"How are you feeling?"

Lin Feng's voice broke the silence in the bus.

"Ready, Boss."

Vardy was the first to respond, his voice firm.

"We are all ready."

The other players nodded in agreement; yesterday's conversation had clearly had an effect.

The bus slowly drove into the stadium, where Walsall staff were already waiting at the entrance.

The atmosphere in the changing room was more relaxed than expected.

The players went through their usual pre-match preparations, and Old John drew the final key reminders on the tactics board.

"Remember what we talked about yesterday."

Lin Feng stood in the center of the changing room, his voice calm and strong.

"Enjoy the match, and everything else will fall into place."

The players gathered in a circle for their final pre-match pep talk.

This ritual had begun in the League Two era and had now become a team tradition.

"For each other!"

Nelson, as Captain, shouted the slogan.

"For Hartlepool!"

Everyone responded in unison.

The moment they walked out of the player's tunnel, a huge wave of sound washed over them.

Although Bescot Stadium was not large, today's attendance reached one hundred percent.

In the away stand, Hartlepool fans waved blue and white scarves, their songs echoing through the sky.

The home fans tried to suppress the away team's momentum with even louder cheers.

"A day that could go down in history!"

Martin Tyler's voice was broadcast across all of England via television.

"Can Hartlepool United create a new record of 14 consecutive wins in England's third-tier League here? Let's wait and see!"

Lin Feng found his position in the technical area.

From this angle, he could clearly see the entire stadium; a banner hung in the Walsall fan section that read: "Record Breakers."

"Home team Walsall has lined up in a solid 4-4-2 formation."

The commentator continued to introduce the starting lineups for both sides.

"They clearly hope to play the role of 'Record Breakers' and cause trouble for this League One leader."

"Away team Hartlepool United is playing with their full strength, Schmeichel in goal, with Walker, Shawcross, Nelson, and Robson in defense."

"The midfield is composed of Henderson, Sigurdsson, and Tinkler, and the forward line features Maloney, Vardy, and Snodgrass."

"Their eyes are filled with a desire for victory."

The referee checked his watch, then blew the opening whistle.

The match officially began.

Hartlepool United kicked off from the center circle, with Vardy passing the ball back to Sigurdsson.

The Icelander did not rush forward but passed horizontally to Henderson.

Lin Feng nodded with satisfaction at this composed start.

The players had indeed shed their psychological burdens and were playing fluidly on the field.

In the 5th minute, Maloney received a pass from Robson on the left wing; instead of forcing a breakthrough against the defender, he passed back to the overlapping Sigurdsson.

The Icelander threaded a through ball to Vardy in the penalty area, but Walsall's center-back quickly recovered and cleared the ball out for a corner.

"Hartlepool United has shown excellent form since the start."

The commentator's voice conveyed admiration.

"Their passing is very fluid, completely unaffected by the pressure of the record."

Walsall tried to disrupt the away team's rhythm with high pressing, but Hartlepool United's players handled it with ease.

Henderson's role in midfield was particularly evident; he always appeared in the right place at crucial moments, providing passing options for his teammates.

In the 18th minute, Walsall had a good counter-attacking opportunity.

Their forward used his speed to shake off Shawcross, creating a one-on-one situation with Schmeichel.

The Danish goalkeeper decisively rushed out and gathered the ball before the opponent could shoot, defusing the danger.

"Schmeichel's timing on the rush was excellent!"

The commentator's voice rose an octave.

"This is the kind of judgment a top goalkeeper should have!"

Lin Feng applauded softly from the sideline.

Schmeichel's save not only averted a crisis but, more importantly, stabilized the entire team's emotions.

The match continued, and Hartlepool United gradually took control of the game.

Their passing accuracy was very high, and Walsall's players were forced to defend frantically.

In the 31st minute, the opportunity finally arrived.

After receiving the ball in midfield, Sigurdsson keenly observed the open space on the left wing.

Without hesitation, he sent a precise long pass to Maloney.

The Ireland winger controlled the ball and quickly cut inside, forcing Walsall's right-back to track him.

Maloney suddenly changed direction at the edge of the penalty area, creating space for a cross.

His cross was of high quality, accurately finding Vardy at the far post.

The England striker leaped high, overpowering the defender to head the ball towards goal.

The ball arced, heading straight for the bottom right corner of the net.

Walsall's goalkeeper made a diving save, but it was out of reach.

The net rippled!

"Goal! Vardy!"

The commentator's voice almost burst through the microphone.

"Sigurdsson and Maloney combined brilliantly on the left wing, with Maloney assisting Vardy for the opening goal! One-nil!"

The away stand erupted instantly, and Hartlepool fans celebrated the goal wildly.

Vardy rushed to the corner flag, performing his signature celebration.

His teammates gathered around, embracing the goalscorer.

Lin Feng clenched his fists in the technical area, but his expression remained calm.

This goal came at just the right time, relieving the team's pressure and delivering a blow to Walsall.

"This is the terrifying aspect of Hartlepool United."

The commentator continued to analyze the recent goal.

"They always find a way to score at crucial moments; their ability to finish is truly outstanding."

After taking the lead, Hartlepool United played more composedly.

They did not rush to extend their lead but patiently controlled the pace of the match.

Walsall was forced to push forward to find an equalizer, but their attacks lacked structure and rarely threatened Schmeichel's goal.

In the last ten minutes of the first half, Hartlepool United completely dominated their opponents.

Their possession rate reached seventy percent, and Walsall's players could only scramble to defend.

Snodgrass's breakthroughs on the right wing created several threats, but none were converted into goals.