FOOTBALLL GODFATHER:THE RISE OF RAVENHILL

Chapter 18: Preparations for Colborough United



After the tough draw against Hartlepool Town, the mood in the Ravenhill Rangers camp was a mix of reality check and motivation. Coach Noah Clarke and his right-hand man, Jake Collins, were busy studying game footage to find ways to improve.

"We had a good hold on the ball," Noah pointed out, stopping the video at the moment when Aaron McLean's header was saved by Hartlepool's goalie. "But we really need to work on our finishing if we want to step things up."

Jake agreed. "Exactly. Our weak defense cost us. We can't let Colborough United have any chances. They're quick with set pieces and will capitalize on our mistakes."

Noah sighed as he noticed a new reminder on their system.

"Task Reminder: Win by two goals or more to unlock advanced tactical analysis tools."

The pressure was on, but Noah believed they could do it if everyone stuck to the game plan.

---

On the training pitch, the atmosphere was electric. Noah and Jake were busy putting their ideas into play. The players split up into groups, focusing on different drills to sharpen their skills.

Over on one side, Aaron McLean and the forwards practiced making quick moves and finishing shots under pressure. Noah was there as well, giving commands.

"Aaron, you've got to react faster in the box! Anticipate where the ball will come!" he shouted.

Meanwhile, Jake worked with the defenders on set-piece drills. He reminded them to stay tight and alert.

"Keep an eye on their movements! Colborough will jump at any chance they see," Jake warned.

When they all gathered together, Noah laid out the game plan. "Colborough is tough in defense. We have to press high, pass quickly, and stay patient. We need to pull them out of position."

As the training continued, the players clicked better as a team. But Noah knew they still had areas to improve.

---

At Colborough United's training ground, coach Gary Milford had a clear message for his team.

"Ravenhill is going to come at us hard after that draw. We can't give them a moment to breathe. We need to shut down their midfield, especially their star player, Ethan Taylor. If we keep them frustrated, they will start making mistakes," he instructed.

He turned to the captain, a tall center-back who's good in the air. "You've got McLean. Keep him out of the box and win every header," Milford said.

The players nodded, ready to follow their coach's plan.

---

The day before the match, Noah faced the press. They had plenty of questions for him.

"Colborough is famous for its solid defense. Do you think Ravenhill can score enough to break through?" a reporter asked.

Noah stayed calm. "We respect their defense, but I have faith in my players. We've been training hard and are ready for whatever comes our way."

Another reporter piped up, "How do you handle the pressure to win by two goals while still focusing on the game?"

Noah replied thoughtfully. "We're focused on our style of play. Winning is important, but the priority is sticking to our plan on the pitch."

Meanwhile, Gary Milford showed confidence in his own press talk. "Ravenhill might feel confident, but we're well-prepared. They'll find it tough to score against us."

---

Back at the training ground, Noah and Jake went over their final plans. They wanted the midfielders to break through Colborough's defense with quick passes. The wingers were told to find space on the sides in order to stretch Colborough's tight formation.

As practice wrapped up, everyone gathered for a pep talk. Noah said, "This is our chance to show how far we've come. Stay focused, trust each other, and give your all out there!"

---

That night, as Noah worked late on his game notes, he suddenly got a call. Aaron McLean had hurt his ankle during practice and needed to be looked at.

Noah hurried to find the team's physio. "It's not a bad injury, but he might not be at full strength tomorrow," the physio explained.

Noah felt torn. Should he put Aaron in the starting lineup, even if he was a little off, or trust the backup striker? The choice could change everything.

As he walked back to his office, the system beeped with a reminder: "Win by two goals or more."

The challenge felt heavy, but Noah was determined. Tomorrow's match was going to be a true test of strategy and the team's spirit.


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