The Road Ahead 2

The cold November air bit at Jake's skin as he stood outside the training ground, hands in his pockets, watching the players go through their drills. The FA Cup match against Gillingham was just days away, but his mind was already split between two battles.

One against a team that wanted to turn football into a fistfight.

The other against one of the biggest clubs in the world.

He had to prepare for both.

FA Cup Round Two 

The FA Cup draw had been announced the day before. Jake had been sitting in his office when the notification popped up.

FA Cup Second Round Draw:

Bradford City vs. Gillingham.

Jake had let out a slow breath, leaning back in his chair.

Of all the possible opponents, it had to be them.

The same team that dragged them into a brutal 1-1 war in the league.

The same team that got Carter suspended.

The same team that had no intention of playing football fairly.