Chapter 7: The Serpent Emerges

The second half began with Burton Albion trailing Oxford United 2-0. The atmosphere in Pirelli Stadium was thick with tension. From the stands, Burton fans watched anxiously, their doubts still outweighing their hope. The visiting Oxford supporters chanted loudly, their confidence fueled by their team's commanding lead.

As the referee blew his whistle to restart the match, the commentary team settled into their rhythm, their voices projecting over the live broadcast.

"Well, it's been a tough afternoon for Burton Albion," said David Fletcher, the lead commentator. "Victor Kane's Sidewinder Drift formation hasn't delivered so far. The players look out of sync, and Oxford United have capitalized on every mistake."

His co-commentator, Richard Barnes, nodded in agreement. "You have to wonder if this tactic is too ambitious. Sure, it's innovative, but these players clearly aren't ready for something so unconventional."

Victor stood by the touchline, his arms folded and his gaze unyielding. His black coat fluttered slightly in the wind, his figure exuding control and authority. For Victor, the match wasn't about chasing an immediate turnaround. It was about adaptation, about teaching his players to adjust under pressure. He watched silently, his presence almost predatory, like a snake waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

The match resumed, and Burton Albion began to show glimpses of improvement. Their movements were less hurried, more calculated. The diagonal runs from Lucas Akins and David Templeton started to take shape, though they were far from perfect. Quinn and Allen's rotations became smoother, their passing slightly more incisive.

The commentators took notice.

"Hold on, what's this?" Fletcher said, his voice rising slightly. "Burton Albion's movements seem… sharper. Akins just cut inside with a diagonal run, and Templeton is shifting wide to create space. Could Kane's tactics be starting to click?"

Barnes leaned forward in his chair, studying the pitch intently. "It's still rough around the edges, but you can see the concept. Look at the midfield. Quinn and Allen are rotating positions fluidly, opening up passing lanes. It's unorthodox, but it's intriguing."

From above, the aerial camera captured the team's movements. The players seemed to slither across the pitch, their diagonal runs and rotations forming faint, serpentine patterns. The commentators gasped in unison.

"My word," Fletcher exclaimed. "Look at that from the overhead view! Burton Albion's movements resemble… a snake. A sidewinder, to be precise. It's almost eerie how deliberate it looks."

Barnes was stunned. "I've never seen anything like this in football. It's… mesmerizing. The formation itself mirrors the behavior of a snake—coiling, weaving, striking. If Kane can perfect this, it could change the way the game is played."

Despite their progress, Burton Albion still struggled to breach Oxford United's defense. The opposition, led by coach Oliver Graham, remained disciplined, their positioning tight and their passes crisp.

On the Oxford bench, Graham watched the unfolding match with furrowed brows. His confidence had waned slightly as Burton began to find their rhythm. He turned to his assistant and muttered, "That rookie coach… he's up to something. I don't like it."

Back on the pitch, Matty Taylor launched another attack, his powerful shot forcing a save from Burton's goalkeeper, Bradley Collins. Oxford still had control, but the cracks in their defense were beginning to show.

"This game feels different now," Barnes said, his tone laced with anticipation. "Oxford United are still ahead, but Burton Albion are growing into the match. It's almost as if Kane's players are learning on the fly, adjusting with every play."

Fletcher added, "Look at how Akins and Templeton are stretching the defense. Quinn and Allen are starting to dictate the midfield. And here's the kicker—it all seems deliberate. Kane isn't reacting; he's orchestrating."

As the 70th minute approached, Burton Albion earned their first corner kick of the match. Victor stepped closer to the touchline, his presence commanding. He signaled to Quinn, who nodded and conveyed instructions to the rest of the team. The commentators noticed the subtle exchange.

"Look at Kane," Fletcher said. "He's not panicking. He's planning. This corner kick could be pivotal."

Barnes leaned forward again. "If he's confident enough to stick to the formation, even at 2-0 down, he's either a genius or a fool. Let's see which one it is."

Quinn stepped up to take the corner, the tension palpable. Burton's players lined up in the box, their movements quick and deliberate. As Quinn delivered the ball with pinpoint accuracy, Akins made a slanted run, cutting diagonally between two defenders. The ball met Akins's head perfectly, and he directed it into the top corner of the net.

The stadium erupted. Burton Albion fans, subdued for most of the match, found their voices. The visiting Oxford supporters fell silent, their confidence shaken.

Fletcher's voice soared over the broadcast. "Akins scores! That's 2-1, and Burton Albion are back in it! What a corner kick, what a run, and what an execution. Kane's tactics are starting to pay off."

Barnes was equally animated. "This isn't just a goal; it's a statement. Burton Albion are showing us something extraordinary today. Kane's Sidewinder Drift is beginning to take hold, and Oxford don't know how to handle it."

The momentum shifted further as the game entered its final minutes. Burton Albion pressed higher, their serpentine movements growing sharper and more synchronized. Akins and Templeton darted into spaces, their runs pulling defenders out of position. Quinn and Allen rotated seamlessly, their passes carving through Oxford's midfield.

The commentators were glued to their screens.

"It's unbelievable," Fletcher said, his tone filled with awe. "Burton Albion are playing like a team transformed. Sidewinder Drift isn't just a tactic—it's a philosophy."

Barnes added, "The way they move, the way they adapt—it's like watching a predator closing in on its prey. Kane has done something remarkable here."

Victor remained calm, his gaze fixed on the pitch. His players were learning, adapting, evolving. The snake was coiling tighter, ready to strike again.