Blackhaven's victory over Bristol City had lifted the pressure. But Daisuke knew one win didn't mean stability—they had to keep proving themselves.
Next up: Middlesbrough. A team with one of the most disciplined defensive structures in the Championship.
A real test of Blackhaven's attacking ability.
At the training ground, Daisuke and his coaching staff analyzed Middlesbrough's playstyle.
"They defend in a compact 4-4-2," Coach Harris pointed out. "It's hard to break through centrally."
Daisuke nodded. They needed width.
"Kaito and Callum need to stretch them wide," he said. "That'll create space for Aidan and Jordan."
Another issue: Middlesbrough's aerial dominance.
"They're aggressive in the air," Ryota noted. "Set pieces will be tough."
Daisuke turned to Marco Silva. "You'll need to shield the backline."
The plan was set. Blackhaven would focus on quick passing, width, and breaking down Middlesbrough's defensive block.
Riverside Stadium. A tough away game. The crowd was loud, hostile.
Daisuke stood in the dugout, watching as his players stepped onto the pitch with confidence.
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)
Same lineup. Daisuke trusted them.
The whistle blew.
Middlesbrough played exactly as expected—compact, disciplined, frustrating.
Blackhaven had possession but found few gaps.
16th minute: First warning from Middlesbrough.
A long ball into the box forced Ryota Nakamura into a tough aerial duel. The ball bounced dangerously before Oliver Hayes smothered it just in time.
Blackhaven struggled to break through. Kaito and Callum stretched the defense, but Middlesbrough closed down quickly.
27th minute: First real chance.
Fletcher spotted a run from Callum Shaw, threading a perfect pass through the right flank. Callum took a touch and crossed low—Aidan Gallagher got a foot on it!
But the Middlesbrough keeper reacted instantly, parrying it away.
A frustrating half.
Halftime: 0-0.
Daisuke looked at his players. They were competing, but something was missing.
"You're controlling the game," he said, "but you need to be ruthless."
Then, he turned to Jordan Fraser.
"You've been too safe. Take risks."
Jordan exhaled, nodding. "Got it."
Blackhaven came out more aggressive.
52nd minute: A big chance.
Jordan took on a defender, skipped past him, and curled a shot—tipped over the bar!
Daisuke clapped. That's what he wanted.
Blackhaven kept pushing.
Then, at the 68th minute, the breakthrough came.
Fletcher intercepted a pass in midfield, drove forward, and released the ball to Kaito Hayashi on the left.
Kaito dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and sent a curling shot towards the far post—
GOAL!
The Blackhaven fans exploded. Kaito pumped his fist, his first goal in the Championship.
1-0.
Now, they had to hold on.
Middlesbrough responded aggressively.
79th minute: A nervy moment.
A corner swung in, a Middlesbrough striker got a powerful header— but Oliver Hayes pulled off a reflex save.
Blackhaven fought tooth and nail.
87th minute: Marco made a crucial tackle, stopping a dangerous counterattack.
90+3 minutes: The final whistle blew.
Another 1-0 victory.
Daisuke stood with his arms crossed, watching as his players celebrated. Two consecutive wins.
The media was starting to take notice.
"Blackhaven's Rise: Are They Dark Horses?"
"Kaito Hayashi Shines as Blackhaven Stuns Middlesbrough"
"Daisuke's System Clicking at the Right Time"
The dressing room was buzzing with energy.
Fletcher nudged Kaito. "Didn't know you had that in you."
Kaito smirked. "Better get used to it."
Daisuke watched them with a small smile. The team was growing.