75: The crowning moment of glory

The moment the whistle for the second half blew, Old John made a substitution gesture.

Adam Boyd, breathing heavily, ran off the field, high-fiving the tall center forward, Kevin Kyle, who was half a head taller than him.

Old John patted Kyle's back and shouted, "Go on, Kevin! Use your head to smash their defense to pieces!"

Hartlepool United's formation changed; a tall player joined Vardy, creating a 'one tall, one fast' duo, like two knives of different lengths, piercing directly into Bristol's heart.

As soon as Kyle entered the field, the opposing defenders immediately felt the pressure.

Hartlepool United's crosses became simple and direct, just lofting the ball towards Kyle's head.

Kyle was like a lighthouse in the penalty area, always able to get a touch on the ball when he jumped, and although he couldn't directly shoot, each aerial challenge caused chaos in the opponent's box.

Bristol's two center-backs had to assign one person to tightly mark him, which created space around Vardy.

On the right wing, Robert Snodgrass also started to go wild.

He was like a small motor, taking the ball and charging forward, using his body to force his way through and his speed to dribble past defenders, repeatedly taking the ball to the byline before crossing it into the box for the two forwards.

Bristol's left-back, Chris, was exhausted by him and hardly dared to push forward easily.

Lin Feng watched all of this from the sidelines, his face calm.

However, on the system interface, Bristol Rovers' defensive heatmap already showed clear red zones.

That was a sign that the defense was starting to loosen after repeated assaults by Kyle and Snodgrass.

In the sixty-fifth minute, Snodgrass once again received the ball on the right wing.

He didn't cross it but suddenly cut inside, creating an angle, and unleashed a powerful shot!

The ball flew like a cannonball straight towards the goal.

Bristol's goalkeeper, Steve Phillips, barely managed to get a hand to it, but he couldn't hold onto the ball; it slipped from his grasp!

The ball bounced squarely onto the six-yard line.

A black lightning bolt suddenly shot out from the crowd!

It was Jamie Vardy! He didn't even think; his body's instinct made him get there before everyone else, extending his right foot and striking the rolling ball for a rebound shot!

The ball hit the net! Two to one!

Hartlepool United took the lead again!

The North Stand of Wembley Stadium erupted!

Tens of thousands of fans jumped up like mad, hugging each other, some even crying tears of joy, waving their blue and white flags and scarves, their songs making the entire stadium hum!

"Goooal!" Martin Tyler, in the commentary box, also shouted excitedly, "Jamie Vardy! He always appears where he is needed most!

Hartlepool United lead again! Snodgrass's shot created the chaos, and Vardy's instinct is just too sharp!"

Alan Smith also nodded repeatedly: "This goal shows the power of Hartlepool United's attacking combination: Kyle's distraction, Snodgrass's breakthrough, and finally, Vardy's deadly rebound shot—all in one fluid motion!"

After taking the lead, Hartlepool United retreated fully.

Jordan Henderson displayed his 'iron lung' running ability in midfield, running from one penalty area to the other, every tackle, every interception, delivered with fierce determination.

He and Mark Tinkler stood firmly in front of the defensive line, making it very difficult for Bristol's midfield to comfortably pass the ball.

Young Chris Smalling also played more and more steadily; he was no longer as reckless as in the first half, every challenge was perfectly timed, and several crucial header clearances drew cheers from the stands.

He even successfully held his position against Lambert in one defensive play, preventing the opponent's tall center forward from turning.

Bristol Rovers launched a furious counterattack in the final moments.

Their manager, Paul Trollope, roared from the sidelines, urging his players forward.

Long passes, long-range shots—they used every trick they had.

The penalty area was a chaotic scramble, with the ball flying back and forth in the air.

During injury time, a through ball from Bristol Rovers penetrated Hartlepool United's defense, creating a one-on-one opportunity.

Rickie Lambert, like a red flash, charged into the penalty area; he had already rounded the onrushing Smalling, leaving only goalkeeper Schmeichel.

Schmeichel roared, boldly rushed out, and used his body to block all shooting angles for the opposing forward, forcefully pushing the ball away!

He punched the ball out for a corner, a truly thrilling moment.

"Oh! My goodness!" Martin Tyler shouted, "Kasper Schmeichel! Another world-class save!

He is simply Hartlepool United's guardian angel!"

"Beep—beep—beep—!"

The final whistle finally blew! Hartlepool United defeated Bristol Rovers two to one!

Champions! They are the champions of the England EFL Trophy!

The players rushed towards Schmeichel like madmen, piling on top of him.

Vardy excitedly took off his jersey and ran wildly on the field; he charged towards the North Stand, roaring at the fans, unleashing his excitement.

Old John rushed onto the field and hugged his assistant coach tightly, his eyes moist; he felt like he had been dreaming.

Wembley Stadium became a joyous sea of blue and white!

Nearly thirty thousand Hartlepool United fans broke through security and rushed onto the field, embracing their heroes.

They sang their team song, jumped, and their cheers were deafening.

Captain Michael Nelson, in the spotlight, received the trophy from the award presenter; he used all his strength to raise the shimmering silver trophy high above his head!

Champagne foam sprayed into the air, landing on the faces of every celebrant.

Vardy, Schmeichel, Sigurdsson, Henderson, Smalling... these young prodigies, their faces beaming with the purest smiles, held the trophy tightly, as if holding their dreams.

In the VIP box, Lin Feng stood up and tightly embraced a equally excited John Stone. Mr. Stone's tears were almost flowing as he said in a trembling voice, "Boss, we did it! We really did it!"

Lin Feng just smiled and patted his back.

He looked at the young people celebrating wildly on the field, at that sea of blue and white, his eyes shining with a deep and gratified light.

At this moment, all the hard work and effort were worth it.

He knew that this trophy was not just glory, but another solid cornerstone for him to build his "Northern Storm football empire."

The next day, headlines like "Hartlepool United, New Kings of the EFL Trophy!", "Northern Storm Sweeps Wembley!", and "Lin Feng's Team Makes History!" appeared on the pages of major British sports newspapers.

This small team from the northeast of England, with a heavy championship trophy, announced their powerful rise to the entire England football world.