Chương 31: Derby vs stoke

Two days had passed since Derby County's thrilling 3-2 victory against Luton Town, and the players found themselves back on the pitch, ready to face Stoke City at the pride park Stadium. The mood in the locker room was a mix of determination and excitement. Derby had just proven their resilience, but today, they were looking to show that their victory over Luton was no fluke.

Wayne Rooney had opted for the same lineup that had brought them success just two days earlier, with one notable change—David Jones was back in the starting lineup, having been rested during the Luton match. The 16-year-old's energy was palpable as he laced up his boots, ready to make an impact once again.

The fans in the stands were loud and energetic, but Derby's supporters were even louder, filling the away section with chants and songs. They knew that this was a crucial match, a chance for their team to build momentum. And Derby was not about to disappoint.

From the moment the match kicked off, it was clear that Derby County was in complete control. Stoke City, despite their home advantage, had no answer to the high pressing and fluid passing that Derby had perfected under Wayne Rooney's leadership.

In the 12th minute, it was David who made the first big impression. He had been darting around the pitch, finding pockets of space between Stoke's defenders. A quick one-two with Jason Knight saw David break free just outside the box, and without hesitation, he unleashed a thunderous shot. The ball flew past Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and crashed into the top corner of the net.

The away fans erupted in jubilation, and David couldn't help but grin as he sprinted toward the corner flag, sliding on his knees in celebration. His teammates mobbed him, with Wayne Rooney leading the charge.

"Great finish, David!" Wayne shouted, clapping him on the back.

David, still catching his breath, gave a quick nod. "Thanks, but we've got more to do."

And do they ever.

Just 10 minutes later, Wayne Rooney showed why he was still one of the best in the business. The veteran midfielder collected the ball in the center circle and effortlessly threaded a through ball to Jason Knight, who had made a brilliant run down the left wing. Knight controlled the ball and surged into the box before calmly slotting it past Butland to make it 2-0.

Rooney's assist was nothing short of brilliant. His vision and composure in that moment showed exactly why Derby County had been on an upward trajectory since his arrival as player-coach. The crowd of Derby supporters erupted in cheers again, and even the players on the pitch couldn't help but exchange impressed glances.

Stoke had no answer to Derby's fluid attack. Every time they gained possession, Derby's high press was relentless, forcing them to turn over the ball time and time again. The midfield battle was dominated by Rooney, Knight, and Duane, who showed their class with every pass.

By the 30th minute, Derby was already leading 3-0. The goal came from an unlikely source: Jason Knight. The midfielder had been a constant thorn in Stoke's side, and when he found himself with the ball at his feet in the middle of the park, he didn't hesitate. A deft turn past his marker, followed by a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the area, sent the ball curling into the bottom corner. Stoke's defense was nowhere to be found, and the Derby bench rose to their feet in celebration.

With the scoreline now comfortable, Derby took their foot off the gas slightly. They controlled possession, letting the ball do the work as they searched for that elusive fourth goal. David, Wayne, and Knight continued to link up with ease, creating chances at will.

The fourth and final goal came in the 67th minute. David, ever the playmaker, was involved once again. He received the ball in the center of the field, just past the halfway line, and took a few strides forward before picking out a perfect pass to Wayne Rooney. Rooney, still looking as sharp as ever, made no mistake. He controlled the ball with ease and slotted it into the net with a calm finish, making it 4-0.

"Perfect assist, David!" Wayne shouted as he turned to his teammate, giving him a thumbs-up.

David smiled in return, but his mind was already focused on the next challenge. Stoke City, now down by four, had little to offer. The match was all but over.

In the 75th minute, Wayne Rooney made a few substitutions to rest some of his key players, including David, who had given everything on the pitch. The young midfielder had earned his break, and as he jogged off the field, he exchanged a brief nod with Wayne.

"Great performance, David. Rest up," Wayne said with a pat on the shoulder.

David's replacement, Jack Marriott, entered the field, and with fresh legs, Derby continued to press. The game slowed in pace, but the final goal of the match came in the 89th minute. Martyn Waghorn, who had been quiet for much of the match, found himself in the right place at the right time. A loose ball fell to him just inside the box, and without hesitation, he smashed it into the back of the net, making it 5-0.

The final whistle blew shortly after, and Derby County had completed an utterly dominant performance. The 5-0 scoreline was a statement, a reminder of the attacking power and cohesion this team had found under Wayne Rooney's guidance.

The locker room was filled with cheers, laughter, and high-fives as the players celebrated their impressive victory. Wayne was at the center of the group, directing the celebrations with his usual calm authority. David, however, was lost in thought.

As the noise around him grew, his mind wandered to the next challenge: the upcoming FA Cup match. He had heard the whispers in the locker room—this could be the game where he truly announced himself on the national stage.

"Hey, David!" Jason Knight called out, pulling him back to reality. "Great game today, mate."

David smiled but his thoughts were elsewhere. "Thanks, Jason. But I'm already thinking about the next one. The FA Cup. I can't wait to get on that pitch again."

Wayne overheard the conversation and smiled knowingly. "He's got the right attitude. It's all about keeping that focus, David."

David nodded, his excitement building for what was to come. "I want to play no less than my best in that game. No more resting. No more waiting. I'll be ready."

The team continued to celebrate around him, but for David, the victory over Stoke felt like just another step in his journey. His eyes were already set on the next match, the FA Cup. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.