บท 19: FA Cup: Crystal Palace vs. Derby County III

Half-time:

The whistle blew for half-time, and the players jogged off the pitch, heading toward their respective locker rooms. The atmosphere in the stadium was a mixture of disbelief and admiration for the 16-year-old who had just stunned everyone with his skill and composure. As David passed the Crystal Palace players, the tension between him and Luka Milivojević was palpable.

Milivojević's glare was icy, his frustration evident after being completely outclassed by the young prodigy. As the teams made their way off the pitch, David couldn't resist.

He slowed his pace and turned to Milivojević, who was muttering something under his breath. David shot him a smile, one laced with equal parts confidence and playful defiance.

David flashed a mocking grin.

Milivojević's face flushed with anger, but he said nothing, his eyes burning with resentment. David, unfazed, turned and walked into the tunnel, his teammates applauding him as he passed.

Inside the locker room, the Derby players were buzzing, their energy fueled by David's brilliance. Wayne Rooney, the player-coach, stood at the front, a proud smile on his face as he addressed the team.

"David," Rooney said, his tone filled with admiration. "What you did out there was incredible. You've got them rattled. But we're not done. Not by a long shot. We've got to stay disciplined and keep doing what we're doing. They're going to come out harder in the second half. We need to be ready."

David nodded, his face calm but his mind already focused on the second half. The rest of the team gathered around, clapping him on the back, but David's focus was sharp.

"You were amazing out there," Chris Martin said. "That pass—perfect. Shame I missed it, though."

David smiled but remained focused. "It happens. We're playing well, but we can't let up. Palace will come out hard in the second half."

Rooney spoke again, his voice steady and commanding. "Exactly. We continue with the counter-attacks. David, I want you running at them—keep the pressure high. We're capable of more than just one goal here. Stay disciplined and keep creating those chances."

David looked around at his teammates. He could sense the growing belief in the room. The team was starting to understand that they were capable of more than just defending their lead.

"We need at least one more," Rooney said, his eyes locking with the forwards. "We can't sit back and expect to hang on. We've got to stay aggressive, press them high, and take any chances we get."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Then, Max Lowe spoke up.

"I've got your back, David. Let's go finish this."

David nodded. "We've got this. Let's take control in the second half and get that second goal."

Rooney stepped forward, placing a hand on David's shoulder. "Keep doing what you're doing. We're all with you. Let's make sure we finish strong."

The team was fired up, ready to return to the pitch. As they filed back out onto the field, it was clear: they weren't just looking to defend their lead—they were going to push for more.

Second Half:

As the second half kicked off, Crystal Palace came out with renewed intensity. They pressed high, their players swarming Derby's half, desperate to get back into the game. The crowd could sense their team's urgency.

Derby, however, stood firm, their defense organized and disciplined. But in the 53rd minute, David received the ball in midfield and saw an opportunity for another run.

He was at the halfway line, facing Luka Milivojević again. The tension between them was palpable as David took a touch and accelerated forward. Milivojević, still furious from the first half, lunged at David, sliding in from behind. David, sensing the challenge, moved the ball just out of reach, and Milivojević clattered into him, dragging him to the ground.

The referee immediately pulled out a red card, sending Milivojević off with a look of disbelief on his face.

David, still with a slight grimace on his face from the tackle, stood up slowly. He looked down at his leg, flexing it as if the pain was nothing. He turned toward Milivojević, now walking off the pitch with his head hung low.

David smirked, his voice carrying just enough for Milivojević to hear. "Stop acting like a kid."

The Palace captain's frustration boiled over as he shot David a final glare, but David just shrugged, walking back to the field with a confidence that seemed to fuel Derby's attack even more.

With Crystal Palace down to ten men, the match became more open. Derby continued to counter with speed and precision, but despite several promising opportunities, they couldn't convert.

The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard read:

Crystal Palace 0-1 Derby County

David Jones had not only delivered a world-class performance but had also earned the man of the match honors, with 11 dribbles completed, 2 big chances created, and a 96% pass rate.

The commentator's voice rang out:

"What a kid. What a night for the kid. On his birthday, no less. A moment to remember for the young David Jones, who has just led Derby to a crucial victory. A star is born tonight."