Chapter 35: Hearts on the Line
Friday, January 15, 2010
It was another cold morning at Broadfield Stadium. Frost still covered parts of the training pitch as Niels watched the Crawley players prepare for their League Two match against Lincoln City.
The 2–0 win over Grimsby four days earlier had given the team another boost. It was Matchday 24, and Crawley were still pushing forward.
The biggest result, though, had come in the FA Cup. Their 2–1 win over Leyton Orient had sent them into the Fourth Round, where they would face Barnsley. Beating a League One side had given everyone around the club something to believe in.
Niels still had doubts.
His memories of life after 2025 were becoming harder to understand. He could remember playing FIFA and watching famous cup runs, but even simple details were starting to disappear. He vaguely remembered Portsmouth winning the FA Cup in 2008, although he wasn't completely sure anymore.
He had no idea how long these memories would last.
The week had started with a meeting in the boardroom.
Claire had arrived with some good news.
"Thiago's signed. £200,000 to São Paulo. The paperwork was completed yesterday. Baxter's loan from Everton is done too."
Niels felt relieved.
He still remembered Thiago's skills and Baxter's passing from his old life. Those memories were one of the reasons he had pushed so hard to bring them to Crawley.
Mr. Hargreaves, the chairman, wasn't celebrating.
"You've spent a lot of money, Niels," he said. "The Orient money helps, but we can't afford to get this wrong."
Claire explained how difficult the Thiago deal had been. There had been weeks of negotiations with São Paulo, along with late-night calls because of the time difference.
They had originally discussed a loan with an option to buy, but after the money from the Grimsby game came in, Crawley were able to complete the £200,000 transfer instead.
The Baxter deal had been much easier. Everton were happy with the loan because of Crawley's cup run, and both clubs agreed to split his wages equally.
Hargreaves looked at Niels.
"This better work."
Niels nodded.
"I know."
The chairman signed the paperwork and left the room.
Niels stayed behind for a moment.
He believed Thiago and Baxter could make the team better. His old FIFA knowledge told him they were worth the risk.
But this wasn't a game anymore.
If the signings failed, there would be real consequences.
On January 14, Niels met Thiago and José Baxter in his small office.
Thiago was excited but nervous. His English was still limited.
"Coach, I come to fight. We win Cup, yes?"
Niels smiled. "That's the attitude. Just give everything for the team."
Thiago nodded. "I give all for Crawley."
Baxter sat down next. He was more relaxed.
"This Cup run is crazy, boss. I'm ready."
"Good," Niels said. "Create chances and help the team."
Training was focused on Lincoln City. The players worked on quick passing, defending against fast attacks and set pieces.
Thiago looked sharp, beating Nate Sutton with a quick turn, but his next pass went out of play.
"Foco, Thiago!" Luka shouted.
Thiago laughed and gave him a thumbs-up.
Kieron then misplaced a pass, and Reece shouted at him.
"Come on, Kieron!"
"Back off, Reece!"
Niels stepped in.
"Enough. Kieron, trust yourself. Reece, help him."
Reece nodded and spoke to Kieron calmly.
Later, Korey looked at Luka.
"Thiago's a cheat code."
Luka laughed. "He still has to earn my spot."
At the end of training, Niels brought everyone together.
"Thiago, José, you're Crawley players now. Show Lincoln what we can do."
"Come on, new boys!" Korey shouted.
The players laughed.
After training, Thiago stayed behind.
"Coach, I'm nervous. New country, big game."
"You'll be fine," Niels said. "Just play your game."
Baxter smiled.
"I'll help him, boss."
Niels nodded, but his eyes went to Kieron as he walked away quietly.
He knew he needed to speak to him before the match.
January 15 was Matchday 25, with Lincoln City visiting Broadfield Stadium.
Around 10,000 fans filled the ground, ready for another tough game. Lincoln were a solid mid-table team with plenty of pace and strength.
Crawley started with Max Simons, Luka Radev, Korey Henry, Dev Patel, Nate Burgess, Jamal Osei, Tom Whitehall, Reece Darby and Adam Fletcher in goal.
Thiago and Baxter had to start on the bench. Their paperwork was still being sorted, so neither could start the game.
Kickoff:
"And we're off!"
Niels heard the words in his head, a habit from his old FIFA days.
Crawley started well. Reece made an early tackle on Lincoln's quick winger, bringing a big cheer from the crowd.
"Darby's a rock!"
Dev came close with a free kick, but his shot went just wide.
Luka then made a good run down the left and crossed the ball into the box, but Max couldn't reach it.
Lincoln soon had a chance of their own. Their striker fired a quick shot, but Fletcher made a good save and pushed it over the bar.
"Fletch-er! Fletch-er!"
The game stayed even for most of the first half. Lincoln's pace was causing problems for Crawley.
In the 28th minute, Nate Burgess picked up an injury and had to come off. Kieron replaced him.
Kieron looked nervous. A few minutes later, he lost the ball and Lincoln started a counterattack. Reece quickly ran back to cover.
"Focus, Kieron!" Niels shouted from the touchline.
Kieron nodded.
Then, in the 41st minute, Crawley finally broke through.
Luka beat his man on the left and sent a great cross into the box. Max timed his run perfectly and hit a powerful volley.
The ball flew past the Lincoln defender and into the net.
"GOAL! Simons! What a finish! Crawley lead 1–0!"
The crowd went wild.
Crawley 1–0 Lincoln.
A young fan near the front held up a sign saying Crawley to the Cup!
Niels raised his fist.
"Stay organized! Keep the lead!"
Second Half
Lincoln came out quickly after the break. They pushed more players forward and started putting Crawley under pressure.
In the 52nd minute, Lincoln's midfielder found space outside the box and hit a powerful shot. It went just over Fletcher's crossbar, giving the Crawley fans a scare.
Crawley struggled to keep the ball, but Jamal helped settle things down. In the 55th minute, he intercepted a pass in midfield and quickly found Tom Whitehall.
Tom held off the defender and carried the ball forward before winning a free kick. Dev stepped up to take it, sending the ball into the box. Lincoln's goalkeeper came off his line and punched it away before any Crawley player could get to it.
Lincoln continued to attack, but Crawley's defence stayed organised.
Kieron was also looking much better after a nervous first half. Niels had spoken to him before the match and reminded him that he belonged at this level.
In the 70th minute, Kieron showed it. Lincoln's winger tried to get past him on the left, but Kieron timed his tackle perfectly and won the ball cleanly.
"That's it, Kieron!" Niels shouted from the touchline.
Reece ran over and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good tackle, lad."
Kieron smiled. The tension between the two had clearly gone.
Lincoln kept pushing as the clock moved towards full-time. Crawley were defending deeper now, with Jamal and Reece constantly helping to cover the spaces.
In the 88th minute, Lincoln nearly equalised. A cross came into the box, and their striker rose above the defenders to head the ball towards the far corner.
Fletcher reacted quickly and got a hand to it.
The ball hit the post and went out.
The Crawley fans breathed again before breaking into cheers.
"Nice save, Fletch!"
Crawley survived the final few minutes. Korey then made a run down the right and won a foul, giving the team some valuable time to move up the pitch.
Lincoln had one last attack, but Reece cleared the ball away.
A few seconds later, the referee blew the final whistle.
Full-time: Crawley Town 1–0 Lincoln City.
Crawley had held on for another important three points.
The 10,000 fans at Broadfield were still celebrating.
"We're the Red Devils!"
Max hugged Kieron, while Korey smiled and Luka threw his scarf into the crowd.
In the dressing room, Niels spoke to the players.
"Great work today. Kieron, Reece, you both did well. Rochdale is next, and then we have Barnsley in the Cup. Stay focused."
The players cheered, with Dev raising his fist and Tom laughing with the others.
Outside the tunnel, Niels stopped to speak with a young fan.
The boy held out a crumpled match programme.
"Please sign it, coach! You're taking us to Wembley!"
Niels smiled and signed it.
"We'll try our best. Keep supporting us."
The boy's father smiled.
"Good luck for the next match. We'll be there."
"Thank you," Niels replied. "We'll need everyone behind us."
Later, Niels returned to his office and opened his notebook. He looked over his notes for Rochdale, then checked his plans for Barnsley.
He also looked at the names of Thiago and Baxter.
There was another knock at the door.
Max walked in.
"Boss, Kieron's buzzing. You really helped him today."
Niels smiled.
"He's got plenty of heart. Just like you."
Max grinned before leaving.
Niels looked back at his notebook.
Rochdale was next. After that came Barnsley in the FA Cup, with Thiago and Baxter ready to make their debuts.
[Match played: 24, Point: 46, 7th in the league table].