Chapter 44: Grudge Match Settled
Niels' voice cut through the heavy air, sharp as a blade. "Lads, they've hit us hard, took Nate out, but we're still standing. Kieron, you're holding the midfield, keep that steel. Max, lead 'em, no more fights, just play. Thiago, Luka, hit their gaps, make 'em pay. This half's ours, for Nate, for Crawley." Max's nod was iron, his knuckles still red from the brawl, Thiago's glare fierce, icing his ankle but unyielding. Kieron, thrust into the fray, sat taller, his Barnsley tackle a badge of grit. Baxter's Scouse grunt, "We'll bury 'em," sparked a roar, "Red Devils!" The chant of 1,000 Crawley fans outside, "We'll fight to the end!" thundered through the walls, a pulse in the dim light. Niels' heart pounded, pride clashing with dread, Wycombe's venom a storm to conquer, Burnley's Premier League shadow waiting.
