CHAPTER 6: THE OPENING BATTLE

The roar of the crowd filled the air as fans poured into the modest confines of Pirelli Stadium. It was a crisp Saturday afternoon, the sun casting long shadows across the pitch. For the players of Burton Albion, this was more than just a game; it was a fight for survival. With only five matches left in the season, every point mattered. Yet, the odds were stacked against them.

The stands were packed with a mix of loyal Burton Albion supporters, their faces lined with years of frustration, and the visiting fans of Oxford United, a team comfortably mid-table and far removed from the relegation battle. The contrast between the two groups was stark—Oxford's supporters exuded confidence, while Burton's faithful looked weary, their optimism long eroded.

Victor stood by the touchline, his arms crossed and his gaze sharp. He wore a tailored black coat, his figure cutting a commanding presence. Behind him, his coaching staff sat anxiously on the bench. James Worthington muttered instructions to a passing staff member, while Mark Hill gave the goalkeepers a final pep talk. Alex Grayson, as always, lounged with a skeptical expression, his body language radiating doubt.

On the field, the players were warming up. Liam Boyce worked on his shooting drills, his strikes powerful but lacking finesse. Stephen Quinn orchestrated passing drills with Jamie Allen, their chemistry steadily improving. Lucas Akins and David Templeton, the wingers, practiced their diagonal runs—an essential component of the Sidewinder Drift formation. The players' movements were sharper than before, but Victor knew they weren't ready. Not yet.

Victor finalized his roster as the referee signaled for the teams to gather. Burton Albion's starting lineup was as follows:

Goalkeeper: Bradley Collins

Defenders: Brayford, Buxton, and McFadzean

Midfielders: Stephen Quinn, Jamie Allen, Fraser, and Wallace

Forwards: Liam Boyce, Lucas Akins, and David Templeton

The 3-4-3 formation of Sidewinder Drift was set. This match would be its first trial by fire.

Oxford United's lineup was strong, with key players like their captain, James Henry, commanding the midfield and their prolific striker, Matty Taylor, leading the attack. Their coach, Oliver Graham, watched from the sidelines, his expression one of quiet confidence. Graham was a seasoned manager with years of experience, and he had no intention of letting a rookie coach like Victor disrupt his plans.

The mood in the Burton Albion section of the stadium was grim.

"This is going to be a disaster," one fan muttered, his arms crossed tightly. "A rookie coach and some fancy formation? We're doomed."

Another fan, a middle-aged woman clutching a scarf, shook her head. "We need a miracle, not experiments. What were they thinking appointing him?"

Even the more optimistic supporters were cautious. "He's got guts, I'll give him that," an elderly man said, his voice tinged with hope. "But guts don't win matches."

Meanwhile, the visiting Oxford fans chanted loudly, their confidence bolstered by their team's recent performances. "Three-nil to Oxford!" they sang, their voices echoing across the stadium.

The referee blew his whistle, and the match kicked off with Oxford United immediately taking control. Their midfield trio of James Henry, Alex Gorrin, and Cameron Brannagan dictated the pace, their crisp passes slicing through Burton's attempts to press. Within the first ten minutes, Matty Taylor tested Burton's defense with a powerful shot, forcing a diving save from Bradley Collins.

Victor watched from the sidelines, his expression unreadable. His players struggled to implement Sidewinder Drift, their movements uncoordinated and hesitant. Akins and Templeton failed to time their diagonal runs, often overlapping each other and leaving gaps. Quinn and Allen tried to rotate but found themselves outmaneuvered by Oxford's experienced midfield.

The commentators didn't hold back.

"This is exactly what we expected," said the lead commentator. "Burton Albion look disjointed. Sidewinder Drift might be innovative, but you can't perfect a tactic like this in just a week."

His co-commentator chimed in. "It's clear the players don't fully understand the system yet. Oxford are exploiting their confusion with ease."

In the 22nd minute, Oxford broke the deadlock. A quick one-two between Henry and Taylor split Burton's defense, and Taylor slotted the ball past Collins with clinical precision. The visiting fans erupted in cheers as Oxford took a 1-0 lead.

Victor remained still, his hands clasped behind his back. The coaching staff exchanged worried glances, but Victor didn't react. He was watching, analyzing, waiting—like a predator studying its prey.

The first half wore on, and Burton Albion continued to struggle. Their attempts to press high often left them exposed at the back, and Oxford capitalized on every mistake. In the 38th minute, a poorly timed challenge from McFadzean led to a free kick just outside the box. Henry stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner, doubling Oxford's lead.

The Burton fans groaned audibly, their frustrations boiling over. Some called for Victor to make substitutions, while others buried their heads in their hands.

"This is embarrassing," one fan muttered. "He has no idea what he's doing."

Even the players began to doubt. During a brief pause, Templeton glanced at Quinn, his expression desperate. "What are we doing out here? This isn't working."

Quinn, ever the leader, clapped him on the shoulder. "Trust the gaffer. He's got a plan."

As the half-time whistle blew, the scoreboard read Oxford United 2-0 Burton Albion. Victor gathered his players in the locker room, his voice calm yet firm.

"You're struggling because you're trying to force it," he said. "This tactic isn't about brute strength. It's about patience, about timing. Stop rushing. Let the game come to you. Remember, a snake doesn't chase its prey. It waits, it watches, and then it strikes."

The players nodded, their spirits bolstered by Victor's words. He wasn't angry or panicked. He was in control.

As the players returned to the pitch, Victor made no substitutions. He didn't need to. This wasn't about changing personnel; it was about adapting, about learning on the fly. The second half began with Burton Albion showing more composure. Their passes were sharper, their movements more synchronized.

Victor watched from the sidelines, his presence calm but commanding. He could feel the momentum shifting, slowly but surely. This was the moment he had been waiting for. The snake was coiling, ready to strike.