章節 46: Derby Vs Bristol

The atmosphere inside Pride Park Stadium was electric. The Derby County faithful had packed the stands, their voices rising in a crescendo of chants and songs, eager to see their team take on Bristol City. The air was crisp, the floodlights illuminating the pristine green pitch, and the stage was set for a thrilling contest.

The commentators were already in full swing as the players took their positions on the field.

"And we're live from Pride Park!" one of them began, his voice charged with enthusiasm. "Derby County hosting Bristol City in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams are vying for those crucial points to climb the table, and the lineups today are fascinating."

His co-commentator chimed in. "Absolutely, and keep an eye on Derby's young star, David Jones. The 16-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance this season. With Rooney playing as captain, the midfield's creativity could provide Jones with the chances he needs to make an impact."

The camera panned to David Jones, who stood on the right wing, his youthful face a mixture of focus and excitement. The fans' anticipation was palpable.

The match kicked off with Derby County eager to take control. From the stands, fans roared their encouragement.

"Come on, lads!" a voice bellowed, echoed by a chorus of others. The Derby players responded with sharp passes and pressing high up the pitch, but Bristol City were equally determined.

"It's a physical start," noted the commentator. "Neither side is holding back. You can see how much this match means to both teams."

The first ten minutes were a cagey affair, both sides probing for weaknesses. Wayne Rooney orchestrated Derby's attack with calm authority, pinging passes out wide and linking up with Tom Lawrence and Jones. Bristol City's defense, however, stood resolute.

Then, in the 23rd minute, the game's first breakthrough came, silencing the home crowd.

"Nahki Wells is through!" the commentator's voice rose in excitement. "Jay Dasilva with a pinpoint cross, and Wells slots it past Ben Hamer! Bristol City take the lead! It's 1-0 to the visitors."

Nahki Wells 1-0, 23rd minute, Bristol City.

The away section erupted in cheers as Wells ran towards them, arms outstretched in celebration. The camera captured the despair on Derby's players' faces, particularly Ben Hamer, who slammed the ground in frustration.

"Devastating for Derby," the co-commentator lamented. "They've been pressing well, but Bristol City's counterattack was clinical."

In the stands, Derby fans groaned collectively.

"We need to tighten up at the back!" a fan yelled, frustration evident in their voice.

Derby tried to regroup, pushing forward with renewed vigor. Jason Knight and Duane Holmes worked tirelessly in midfield, but Bristol City's defense, led by Ashley Williams and Filip Benkovic, held firm. As the clock ticked closer to halftime, disaster struck again.

"Benkovic is going on a run here… wait, he's still going!" the commentator exclaimed in disbelief. "What a goal! Filip Benkovic with an incredible solo effort from the halfway line! He's dribbled past three players and fired it into the top corner. Bristol City double their lead, and it's 2-0 just before halftime!"

Filip Benkovic 2-0, 42nd minute, Bristol City.

The camera captured the jubilant Bristol players celebrating as Benkovic was mobbed by his teammates. Meanwhile, Derby's players stood frozen, disbelief etched on their faces.

"Unbelievable," the co-commentator said. "You don't see center-backs score goals like that every day. This is a real blow for Derby."

In the stands, the fans' mood was somber.

"What are we doing?" a fan muttered. "We need to wake up in the second half."

As the halftime whistle blew, the players trudged off the pitch. The camera zoomed in on David Jones, his expression a stark contrast to the elation he'd felt earlier in the day. His jaw was set, his eyes blazing with determination. The frustration was clear, but so was his resolve. This wasn't over for him.

"David Jones," the commentator said, as the camera lingered on the young winger. "You can see the fire in his eyes. This is a learning moment for him, but also an opportunity to rise to the occasion in the second half let's see what the 16-year-old wonder can do."

The camera cut to the Derby County dressing room door as it swung shut, leaving the fans to wonder what words Wayne Rooney would deliver during the break to rally his team.

Pride Park buzzed with tension as supporters debated what needed to change.

"We've got to bring on Curtis Davies," one fan argued. "We need his leadership at the back."

"And get the ball to Jones more," another added. "The kid's got pace. Let him run at their defense."

As the players prepared for the second half, one thing was clear: Derby County needed a miracle to turn this game around. And David Jones, the fiery teenager, was ready to step up.