Chapter 36: Redemption or Repeat?

The anticipation for Blackhaven's second Championship match was electric. Their loss against Sheffield United had left wounds, but wounds could heal—if they fought back.

Their next opponent: Bristol City. A team known for its disciplined midfield and quick wingers.

Daisuke had made his decision. James Fletcher was starting.

The Blackhaven squad arrived at Ashton Gate, Bristol City's home ground, under a mixture of tension and determination.

Daisuke stood in the tunnel, hands in his coat pockets, observing his players. The loss against Sheffield was still in their minds—but now, it needed to fuel them.

The lineup was confirmed:

Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Oliver Hayes

Defenders: Theo Carter (LB), Ryota Nakamura (CB), Lucas Klein (CB), Jake Thompson (RB)

Midfielders: Marco Silva (CDM), James Fletcher (CM), Jordan Fraser (AM)

Forwards: Kaito Hayashi (LW), Aidan Gallagher (ST), Callum Shaw (RW)

Elijah Bennett had been dropped to the bench. He sat, expression unreadable, but Daisuke knew the decision had motivated him.

Fletcher, on the other hand, looked fired up.

"You ready?" Jordan Fraser asked, stretching beside him.

Fletcher smirked. "More than ready."

From kickoff, Blackhaven played with urgency.

The first ten minutes saw James Fletcher pressing relentlessly, cutting off passing lanes, forcing Bristol City into mistakes. His intensity was contagious—Marco played with more confidence, and Jordan Fraser found more freedom to attack.

14th minute: Blackhaven's first real chance.

Jordan picked up the ball at the edge of the box, feinted past a defender, and released a shot—just inches over the crossbar.

Daisuke clapped from the sideline. This was better. They were competing.

20th minute: Fletcher steals the ball in midfield, drives forward, and threads a pass to Aidan Gallagher. The striker takes a touch, shoots—saved!

The frustration was visible, but the energy was there.

Bristol City, however, wasn't passive.

31st minute: A warning shot.

A misplaced pass from Marco allowed Bristol's attacking midfielder, Ben Marshall, to slip through. He took on Ryota Nakamura, feinted left, and fired a powerful shot.

Oliver Hayes reacted brilliantly—diving low, fingertips pushing it wide.

Close call.

Blackhaven kept pushing. Jordan Fraser and Fletcher combined well, dominating the midfield battle.

But the breakthrough didn't come.

Halftime: 0-0.

In the locker room, Daisuke kept it simple.

"This is our game. Keep pressing. Keep fighting."

Then, he turned to Aidan Gallagher.

"You need to be sharper in front of goal."

Aidan, wiping sweat from his forehead, nodded. He knew it. He needed to deliver.

Blackhaven resumed the match with even more intensity.

52nd minute: Another chance.

Callum Shaw whipped in a dangerous cross. Aidan leapt, connecting with a header—just wide!

Daisuke clenched his fists. They were close.

Then, at the 61st minute, the moment arrived.

Fletcher intercepted a pass in midfield, turned quickly, and launched a precise ball over the top.

Aidan Gallagher read it perfectly—beating the defender for pace, taking a touch inside the box, and with the keeper rushing out—

He slotted it past him.

GOAL!

Blackhaven players erupted in celebration. Aidan pumped his fist. His first goal in the Championship.

1-0.

Now, they had to hold on.

Bristol City pushed forward.

71st minute: They nearly equalized when a cross found their striker at the near post, but Oliver Hayes pulled off a stunning save.

Blackhaven fought tooth and nail.

Theo Carter made a crucial block in the 83rd minute. Marco Silva broke up a dangerous counter in the 87th.

Then, at the 93rd minute, the final whistle blew.

Blackhaven had done it.

A hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Daisuke watched his players celebrate on the pitch, exhausted but victorious.

James Fletcher had seized his opportunity. Aidan Gallagher had redeemed himself. The entire team had proven they could fight at this level.

The media's narrative had changed overnight.

"Blackhaven Bounce Back – A Statement Performance!"

"James Fletcher: The Midfield Warrior Blackhaven Needed?"

"Daisuke's Tactical Adjustments Pay Off"

In the dressing room, the atmosphere was electric.

Daisuke addressed them with a rare smile. "This is how we respond. We fight. We evolve."

The journey was far from over.

But tonight, they had made it clear—Blackhaven FC belonged in the Championship.