Hereford’s Head Coach, Sam Littles, was also a young and promising Head Coach.
Unlike Huang Hao, he had a 16-year professional playing career.
After retiring, this was his first time as a team’s Head Coach, and he achieved impressive results right from the start.
If not for Huang Hao, he might have been the most dazzling Head Coach in the National League this season.
The media often compared him and Huang Hao, and unknowingly, the two had become rivals secretly competing against each other. Although Hereford led Cambridge United by one spot in the standings, everyone knew that as long as they weren't at the top, they would all be starting on the same line today.
Only by winning the Wembley battle would everything in the past become meaningful.
Cambridge United had previously made headlines due to financial crises, while Hereford was the opposite.
Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds accidentally became the team's owner, followed by signing a new sponsor, the famous Google.
Almost a large portion of the 30,000 fans present today came for this internet-famous team. At this moment, Ryan was sitting in the VIP box with several friends from the industry, chatting and laughing, waiting together for the moment to celebrate the team's promotion.
In the first season after buying the team, they reached the promotion play-off final, and it was clear that this Hollywood owner was very satisfied with the team's performance.
Ryan had specifically flown back from Hollywood today to invite a group of friends to witness the team's historic moment.
As the background music began, the four officiating referees for this match led the way, with the two teams lined up behind them, slowly entering the stadium to the cheers of the entire crowd.
Perrotta, holding the hand of a little girl who looked like an earthly fairy, walked in the middle of the team, a happy smile radiating on his face.
This beautiful and lovely little angel beside him was Perrotta’s young daughter, and Perrotta hoped she would bring him good luck on the field today.
After the team photo, pre-match handshakes, and coin toss, this long-awaited final of the England National League promotion play-offs officially kicked off!
On Hereford’s front line, as expected, Heinz and Pike, who had been tearing up the League this season, were deployed.
And Andrew, originally a substitute striker from Premier League Huddersfield, started directly as a right winger.
It seemed Sam had gone all-in, deploying all his attackers, attempting to overwhelm Cambridge United with firepower and end the match directly.
The commentator for this match was Smith, who had teased Huang Hao during a live broadcast at the beginning of the season.
Unexpectedly, fate had come full circle, and he encountered him again in the final match of the season.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final of this season’s England National League promotion play-offs. I’m Smith.”
“Today’s match features Hereford, who boasts Deadpool, and, uh, Cambridge United, who possesses mysterious Eastern power.”
“Ahem, I must say, I have quite a connection with this magical Eastern coach.”
“I’m delighted to see him again in the National League final. Huang… Hao, well, I have to admit, I still can’t pronounce his name properly.”
Smith’s machine-gun-like commentary still struggled with Huang Hao’s name.
“Hereford performed exceptionally well this season, scoring 102 goals, conceding 75, and achieving a terrifying 90 points.”
“Unfortunately, due to goal difference, they regrettably finished second in the standings, watching Accrington Stanley go to League Two.”
“However, they don’t need to be overly disappointed, because today they still have a great chance to go to League Two here.”
From Smith’s words, it was not difficult to see that he had already chosen his side.
“And Cambridge United, tsk-tsk-tsk, they really surprised me.”
“At the beginning of the season, they almost entered the relegation zone, my God ~ I don’t know what magic their Eastern Head Coach used to make Cambridge United finish third at the end of the season! And Jamie Vardy was a revelation, scoring 15 goals in 20 appearances, a terrifying efficiency.”
“However, Cambridge United fans might not be happy, but I believe Hereford will perform better in this match, even if they didn't win against Cambridge United in the regular season, that won’t stop them from winning this match today.”
“Hereford’s current popularity probably won’t be any less than any Premier League team, after all, who doesn’t like Deadpool ~”
Clearly, the halo of having a celebrity owner made most people believe that today’s winner would be Hereford.
Heinz and Pike in the Hereford squad were no different.
With a whistle from Head Referee Johnson, Heinz passed the ball back to Pearson behind him, beginning his performance. However, just as he regained possession, before he could even start to break through, he was brutally tackled to the ground by Aaron Cole, who was a full 10 centimeters shorter than him!
The faint pain from his ribs made him hiss and take a sharp breath.
Beep! The Head Referee blew his whistle.
“Referee, that was a malicious foul,” but to Heinz’s disappointment, Cole was only warned and did not receive a yellow card.
This level of collision was too common in England, especially in the lower Leagues.
Cole glanced coldly back at Heinz, then turned and ran back to his position. Heinz cursed as he got up, as the Golden Boot winner this season, he was eager to return to Brighton.
He hoped to secure a place in Brighton’s summer pre-season matches, and if he was lucky enough, he might even debut in the Premier League next season!
A few minutes later, as MacKenzie’s through pass was intercepted by a Hereford defender, possession returned to Hereford.
Andrew directly lofted the ball, intending to pass it to Pike upfront. Just as Pike was about to jump, he suddenly felt a cold gust of wind from behind, only to see the dark and muscular Longolo roaring in, directly knocking Pike to the ground in mid-air!
Pike groaned and fell heavily onto the turf!
Beep beep!
The referee's whistle sounded again!
This time Pike wasn't as lucky as Heinz; he lay on the ground and didn't get up for a long time.
Heinz, visibly startled nearby, joined several players in protesting to the Head Referee, attempting to get Longolo a yellow card.
Unexpectedly, Longolo, with his acting skills in full display, bowed and scraped to the Head Referee, clasped his hands together, and repeatedly apologized.
This tactic clearly worked, and in the end, the Head Referee only warned Longolo, still not issuing a card.
“F**k! F**k!”
Seeing no reaction from the Head Referee, Heinz cursed loudly!
Beep beep, yellow card! The referee gave Heinz a yellow card for abusing the referee.
Heinz, only 20 years old, had a bright future ahead of him, and he clearly did not want to leave such a match with a serious injury.
After all, Hereford would only be the most insignificant stop in his career.
Cambridge United's tough start and the referee's lenient calls successfully made Hereford’s frontline feel a hint of panic.
After all, no one wanted to joke with their professional career. Just as Huang Hao predicted, Hereford’s mercenaries did not have a strong sense of belonging.
At this moment, Sam, who was directing from the sidelines, also noticed this. A surge of anger rose in his heart, and he looked at the Cambridge United dugout with dissatisfaction.
But Huang Hao didn't pay attention to the unusual gaze from that direction; he was vigorously applauding the players on the sidelines, encouraging their performance.
“Too despicable! Shameless!”
Sam Littles was furious but helpless.
After all, this frontline lineup was his greatest pride throughout the season.
The skill level of the other forward players in the team was simply too far behind theirs.
In desperation, he could only shout encouragement to his players from the sidelines, telling them not to be afraid, to press forward, and so on. However, it had little effect.
Gradually gaining the upper hand, Cambridge United’s wings continuously launched attacks on Hereford.
On the forward line, Perrotta’s activity today amazed Huang Hao.
Huang Hao was truly glad he didn't sell Perrotta during the winter break.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Cambridge United’s right midfielder Pasquel gained possession in his own half and advanced with the ball.
Just after crossing midfield, Pasquel suddenly took a shot, attempting to lob the ball directly into the Hereford penalty area!
It was a high, floating pass, and center-back Stark completely misjudged it! Perrotta, who had successfully beaten the offside trap, leaped like a soaring roc, calmly bringing the ball down!
Only the goalkeeper remained in front of him!
“Perrotta with a golden opportunity!!!”
Smith excitedly stood up, his upper body tensed, watching every move on the field.
“Perrotta shoots from the edge of the six-yard box!!!!!!! It’s a… oh no, it’s gone wide!!!”
After a 180-degree turn, a disappointed Smith slumped back into his chair.
“What a shame, Perrotta actually missed such a good opportunity!”
As a huge sigh echoed through Wembley, Perrotta himself couldn't believe he had squandered such a perfect chance!
Perrotta knelt in front of Hereford’s goal, holding his head, filled with regret.
“Perrotta!!! Do you not want a big contract anymore!!!”
Huang Hao cursed as he rushed forward, almost charging into the Hereford dugout before Darren quickly pulled him back.
“I never thought Perrotta’s explosive power was so strong!” A calm Huang Hao turned to Darren and said.
“Yes, but Hao, if you rush up again, you’ll easily get sent off by the referee.”
Darren took the opportunity to quickly remind him.
“Uh, hehe, I’ll be careful.”
Huang Hao awkwardly scratched his head, realizing he had indeed gotten a bit too excited.
After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and in the heat of the moment, he hadn't considered the consequences.
Who knew, before Huang Hao’s backside even touched the chair, he rushed to the sidelines once again!
This time it was Sager!
After gaining possession, his excellent explosive power allowed him to successfully shake off the opposing defender, then he charged towards the Hereford penalty area without looking back!
As Sager pressed closer, Hereford players desperately chased back to defend!
Suddenly, three Hereford players appeared simultaneously around Sager!
Hereford’s goalkeeper, feeling a bit nervous, chose to rush out, trying to block Sager’s shooting angle as much as possible. A cross!
At the crucial moment, Sager did not play selfishly; instead, he shrewdly found a passing lane through the gaps in Hereford’s defensive players!
“Hereford is in danger!”
“Perrotta is at the far post!”
Smith, like Huang Hao, had just sat down before springing back up from his chair!
“Perrotta, open goal!”
“Goal!!! A simple goal, Sager deserves all the credit!”
1:0!
Cambridge United opened the scoring!
This time, Smith’s voice from the cash register drove Old Jack at the Cambridge United base equally wild!
Running out of the gatehouse, he excitedly waved his hands towards Wembley, just as he had done in person when he was in his twenties!
At this moment in Wembley Stadium, Cambridge United fans were overcome with immense joy.
In the 28th minute, Perrotta did not miss his chance this time, easily tapping into an open net, giving Cambridge United a step forward in the promotion play-offs!
At this moment, Ryan, in the VIP box, could only utter a “wow” to mask his embarrassment.
Facing the sympathetic glances from his friends, he even wondered if he should have rushed over from Hollywood today.
After a round of celebrations, Sager quickly organized his teammates to return to their respective positions.
After all, there were still over 70 minutes left in the match, and the situation on the field could change in an instant. As captain, he had a duty to keep everyone alert.
Seeing themselves behind, Hereford’s players became even more agitated.
Pike finally managed to break free from Cambridge United’s defense, dribbling quickly to the Cambridge United byline. Just as he was about to cross, Pasquel came in from the side with a flying tackle, and poor Pike, both man and ball, were knocked out of bounds!
Beep!
This time the Head Referee did not let Pasquel off, even though he acted pitifully and kept pleading with the referee, he still received a yellow card.
This foolish boy, he’s a bit too brutal!
Huang Hao cursed angrily on the sidelines; clearly, the young Pasquel was not as seasoned as Longolo.
His foul tackle, with a slight misstep, could truly injure Pike!
Watching Pike roll twice on the turf before stopping, then curl into a ball, constantly wailing in pain, Heinz clutched his head, on the verge of collapsing!
Although in the lower Leagues, suffering collisions had long become commonplace.
But in this match, judging from the current performance of Cambridge United’s players, they were clearly insane!
Damn it! They’re not here to play football, they’re here to injure us!!!
Heinz felt that if he wasn't careful today, his career might be over.
At this moment, he even looked at Hereford's Head Coach, hoping he would substitute him off. Unfortunately, he didn't.
After some treatment from the team doctor, Pike limped back onto the field.
And the free kick he had earned with half his life was kicked into the stands by Heinz!
“Oh, poor Heinz, he seems to have been scared senseless by the brutal Cambridge United!”
“I have to say, the Chinese team is too brutal! This is not what football should be like.”
Smith, from a humanitarian standpoint, heavily criticized Huang Hao. He also noticed that Heinz was clearly not himself today.
However, at this moment, Huang Hao’s eyes only saw victory; everything else was nonsense.
If being a gentleman could earn them a ticket to League Two, Huang Hao would probably bring out ancient Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Mencius, and even Laozi.
With a whistle from the Head Referee, Heinz and his teammates breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like they had narrowly escaped disaster.
The first half of the match was frequently fragmented by Cambridge United’s fouls, completely disrupting Hereford’s tactical deployment.
Hereford, suffering greatly, reluctantly went into halftime with a 0:1 score.