The atmosphere at Bramall Lane was intense. Blackhaven FC was stepping onto the pitch for their first-ever EFL Championship match against Sheffield United—one of the league's most experienced teams.
Daisuke stood at the technical area, his hands in his coat pockets. The night air was cool, but the weight of the moment pressed heavier than the temperature.
This wasn't like before. This wasn't League One.
The Championship was faster, sharper, unforgiving.
And Blackhaven had already lost Isaac Morgan, one of their core midfielders.
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Oliver Hayes
Defenders: Theo Carter (LB), Ryota Nakamura (CB), Lucas Klein (CB), Jake Thompson (RB)
Midfielders: Marco Silva (CDM), Elijah Bennett (CM), Jordan Fraser (AM)
Forwards: Kaito Hayashi (LW), Aidan Gallagher (ST), Callum Shaw (RW)
The absence of Isaac Morgan left a gap, and Daisuke knew it.
Marco was a solid defensive midfielder, but he wasn't a playmaker. Elijah was talented, but lacked Isaac's control under pressure. And Jordan, an attacking midfielder, couldn't carry the entire midfield on his own.
Daisuke had warned them.
Now, reality would do the talking.
From the whistle, Sheffield United pressed relentlessly. Their midfield trio suffocated Blackhaven's buildup, forcing mistakes.
Marco and Elijah struggled to find space. Passes were rushed. Possession slipped away too easily.
15th minute: A quick turnover. Sheffield's winger broke down the left, sending a cross into the box. Their striker, Callum Weston, towered over Ryota Nakamura and headed it in.
0-1.
Daisuke clenched his jaw. They were losing battles in midfield, and it was costing them.
Aidan Gallagher tried to press high, but without proper service, he was stranded. Kaito Hayashi had a half-chance in the 27th minute, curling a shot just wide, but that was all they had.
41st minute: Another turnover. Sheffield launched a quick counter. Marco was out of position, leaving a gaping hole. Weston struck again.
0-2.
Blackhaven had never trailed by two goals in a league match before halftime.
Daisuke glanced at the bench. James Fletcher, their young, aggressive midfielder, was warming up. His eyes burned with impatience.
The locker room was dead silent. Heavy breathing, sweat dripping down jerseys, frustration evident in every face.
Daisuke scanned them. This wasn't just a bad game—it was a wake-up call.
He spoke, calm but firm.
"We came up a level. You all felt it."
No one spoke.
"Elijah, you're off. Fletcher, you're in."
Elijah nodded, disappointed but not arguing.
"Stop hesitating. Fight. Win the ball, or we lose this game without a fight."
Fletcher nodded sharply. "I got it."
The intensity improved. Fletcher brought aggression, pressing hard, winning duels. Jordan Fraser found more space, attempting a through ball to Aidan in the 53rd minute, but the Sheffield keeper reacted quickly.
Blackhaven created more chances but lacked the final touch.
78th minute: One mistake.
Marco misplaced a pass. Sheffield countered ruthlessly.
Weston completed his hat trick.
0-3.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard was brutal.
A humbling debut in the Championship.
The media didn't hold back.
"Blackhaven FC Exposed – Championship Reality Check"
"Daisuke's Midfield in Crisis After Isaac's Departure"
"A Wake-Up Call for the League's Newcomers"
Criticism was everywhere. Fans questioned if Blackhaven was truly ready for this level.
Daisuke sat in his office, reviewing the match footage. He wasn't shaken. He already knew the truth.
This league was unforgiving. And if Blackhaven wanted to survive—they had to evolve.