Bab 35: The Rise of Confidence
"Momentum is a dangerous thing — for those who have it and for those who face it." – Noah Clarke
---
The Ravenhill Rangers' team bus hummed with quiet satisfaction. Players leaned back in their seats, eyes half-closed, headphones on. The subtle glow of phones illuminated their faces as they scrolled through messages from friends and family. Some glanced at social media, smirking at the growing praise.
But not everyone was relaxing.
Callum Shaw sat at the front, replaying clips of his performance on his phone. His jaw was tense as he reviewed his interceptions and clearances.
"Not bad for a kid who was 'a liability' last month," Jake Collins said, nudging him on the shoulder.
Callum glanced up, startled. He blinked, then smiled. "Still gotta be better, coach. Can't let up."
Jake grinned. "That's the attitude."
In the seat behind them, Aaron McLean and Jamie Weston were locked in conversation.
"That finish, though," Jamie chuckled. "Ice cold."
"Clinical," Aaron replied, flashing a grin. "Did you see their captain's face? Priceless."
"Lads," Elijah Cole's voice cut through. His eyes scanned the bus. "Don't get too comfortable. One win doesn't make a season."
At the back of the bus, Noah Clarke sat in quiet reflection, observing his team. They're thinking like winners, but they haven't forgotten the grind.
System Update:
Team Morale: Positive
Player Growth: Callum Shaw's Confidence +1
---
The next morning, headlines dominated sports media:
> "Giant Killers: Ravenhill Rangers Stun Stonebridge City!" – Football Post
"Tactical Masterclass from Clarke – A Defensive Clinic at Stonebridge!" – SportsView
"Aaron McLean's Ruthless Finish Seals Famous Win for Rangers." – The Dugout Daily
On social media, fan comments poured in:
> @RangersTillIDie: "Noah Clarke is a genius. Clean sheet against Stonebridge? Unreal."
@FootyFanatic88: "That Aaron McLean goal was pure class. Promotion incoming?"
@StonebridgeUltra: "Ravenhill got lucky. 9 out of 10 times we win that."
Jake Collins scrolled through the comments at breakfast, grinning as he read them.
"They're talking about us, boss," Jake said, waving his phone at Noah.
Noah glanced up from his coffee, unimpressed. "They'll forget by next week if we don't keep winning."
Jake chuckled. "True, but it's still nice seeing them eat humble pie."
---
At the training ground, Noah called the players into the locker room before the session. They sat down, still riding the high of the last victory. The buzz faded when the projector flickered to life.
"Stonebridge is done," Noah said, his tone firm. "Take your applause, enjoy it, but it's already in the past."
He tapped the screen, and the name of their next opponent appeared:
Next Match: Ridgeway Rovers (H)
"Bottom of the table," Jake Collins added. "Winless in five."
"Don't let that fool you," Noah warned. "Desperate teams fight harder."
He played a clip of Ridgeway pressing high against their last opponent. Their aggression was clear.
"They'll press us like wild dogs," Noah continued. "If you try to dribble through them, you'll lose the ball. If you hesitate, they'll crowd you. But pressers have a weakness."
He clicked to the next slide. The screen displayed Ridgeway's defensive line stretched apart, exposing gaps.
"Space," Noah said. "Exploit it. Quick passes, sharp movement. Make them chase shadows."
He gazed at the players. "Beating them is one thing. Dominating them? That's how you prove you're serious contenders."
The players nodded, eyes sharp with understanding.
System Update:
New Tactical Feature Unlocked: Custom Team Shape Adjustments
Noah's system prompt flashed. He opened the tactical menu and adjusted Ravenhill's defensive line to play higher up the pitch for the Ridgeway game.
Custom Shape Applied: High Defensive Line (Ridgeway Rovers Strategy)
---
The Press Conference – Pre-Match Hype
The press room was packed, larger than usual. Success had drawn the spotlight. Noah sat at the table, lights flashing from camera shutters.
"Another big win for Ravenhill, Noah," said Simon Weller from Football Post. "Are you feeling the pressure to maintain this form?"
"Pressure doesn't change our work," Noah replied coolly. "We focus on the next match, not the noise around it."
"Ridgeway Rovers haven't won in five," Weller pressed. "Surely, this is a game you should dominate."
"Games aren't won on paper," Noah replied. "They're won on the pitch. If you think Ridgeway will roll over, you're mistaken."
"Is Aaron McLean your new main man after that finish?" another reporter asked.
Noah smiled faintly. "Aaron's a big player for us, but it's a team game. We win together, not as individuals."
System Update:
Media Presence: +2
---
Matchday – Ridgeway Rovers (H)
The stadium buzzed with excitement. For the first time, real belief was in the air. "Noah's Army!" chants echoed, scarves waved, and fans filled the stands with pride.
"This is what it's about," Jake said, watching the crowd. "They believe now."
Noah didn't respond. His eyes were on the Ridgeway players, their faces hard with desperation. Desperate teams are dangerous, he thought.
System Notification:
Challenge Activated: Win with Possession Above 60%
Objective: Win the match while maintaining at least 60% possession.
Reward: Team Chemistry Boost
Jake spotted the notification on Noah's system display. "Possession, huh? You planning to go full tiki-taka on them?"
"Not tiki-taka," Noah replied. "Controlled dominance."
---
Kick-off – First Half
7' – Ravenhill Possession
Ravenhill played with intent. Elijah Cole dictated the tempo, spraying passes from deep. Jamie Weston darted down the wing, linking up with Aaron McLean.
Aaron's slick one-two with Elijah sent him into the box. A quick shimmy. A shot.
GOAL!
The crowd erupted. 1-0.
"Too easy," Jake grinned. "They're rattled already."
---
23' – Total Control
The ball zipped between Ravenhill players. Ridgeway chased shadows. Jamie Weston's footwork drew gasps from the crowd. Aaron McLean dragged defenders wide.
Possession flashed on the scoreboard:
Ravenhill: 65%
Ridgeway: 35%
"Keep it!" Noah yelled from the sideline. "Make them run!"
---
42' – The Second Goal
Another slick move. Jamie Weston skipped past his marker and whipped in a low cross. Aaron McLean dummied it, letting it roll to Elijah Cole at the edge of the box.
One touch. One strike.
GOAL!
2-0. The crowd chanted his name.
---
Full-Time – Ravenhill 2-0 Ridgeway
Another win. Another clean sheet. The whistle blew, and the players huddled in celebration. Callum Shaw hugged Elijah Cole. Aaron McLean raised his arms in triumph.
The crowd chanted: "NOAH'S ARMY! NOAH'S ARMY!"
System Update:
Challenge Complete: Win with Possession Above 60%
Reward Unlocked: Team Chemistry Boost
Jake shook Noah's hand. "They're starting to believe, boss."
Noah watched his team celebrate, faces filled with joy and belief. Good, he thought. Now let's see how far that belief can take us.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Emmanuora
Emmanuora Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone