LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 20: Mounting Tensions
Noah Clarke leaned back in the office chair, the system notice glowing in his mind like some very subdued yet constant chime.
New Challenge: Concede no goals in three consecutive matches for detailed scouting reports.
The system wasn't one for leniency, and this felt like a test of his tactical evolution. The one thing that Ranger hadn't hit this season so far was defensive consistency. They could score, sure, but not a way to attain promotion with just goals. And going into the next game against Lyndhurst Town-who were known for their blistering counterattacks-the task wasn't just tough; it was one of intent.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Three clean sheets. Easier said than done.
---
And the media were relentless, the barbs already deep-set in the story. The sports section of local newspapers and blogs buzzed with commentaries like:
"Ravenhill Rangers: All Attack and No Defence?"
"Noah Clarke Faces Litmus Test with Lyndhurst Town
"Is Promotion a Dream or Reality for Ravenhill?
The fans weighed in across social media; their reactions varied from cautious optimism to frank criticism.
"We can't outscore everybody. It's defence that wins leagues!
"Lucas and Carter have been shakey all season. Hope Noah sorts it out better."
"In Noah, we trust! Seriously, though, let's keep a clean sheet for once.".
Noah scrolled through the online chatter with mixed feelings. Great to see the passion of the fans, yet the doubts weren't unjustified. If they couldn't tighten up defensively, the dream of promotion would still be just that.
-
It was cold in the morning, a stiff breeze cutting across the training ground. The players stood together, rubbing hands and stamping their feet against the chill.
"Get under way, boys!" shouted Jake Collins, his voice high and clear against the wind.
Much of the session was taken up with defending. Jake had replicated the way Lyndhurst break quickly and tested the defenders' ability to cover and support each other.
"Again!" Jake yelled as Lucas and Carter botched another attempt at a trap.
Carter groaned. "How many times are we doing this?
"Until you get it right!" Jake barked back.
Noah watched them from the sideline, his arms crossed tightly. He saw Lucas shake his head after he had missed another interception. This usually was a composed veteran centre-back, today lines of frustration were carved deep across his face.
Noah stepped forward. "Lucas, take a deep breath. One mistake does not have to spiral into another.
Lucas watched him and exhaled slowly. "I know, boss. Just feels like letting the guys down.
"You're not," Noah replied firmly. "You're the backbone of this defense. Show them what you're made of."
Thus encouraged, Lucas renewed his vigor with the drill, cleanly intercepting the next ball and marshalling the line with authority.
---
Meanwhile, at the training ground of Lyndhurst Town, his opposite number, Tom Radley was putting his team through their paces.
Ravenhill are all attack, no balance," Radley told his players, gesturing at a tactical board. "They commit too many players forward. Jamal, this is where you come in.
Their star winger, Jamal Reid, reclined in his seat, beaming with confidence. "Don't worry about that boss, their right-back will never have read the game.
Radley snarled, "Good. Remember, we absorb their pressure and hit them on the break: fast, clinical, and ruthless.
The players of Lyndhurst nodded in unison, with growing confidence as they contemplated the weaknesses of Ravenhill.
---
His responses were awaited with bated breath by reporters crowding the press room at Ravenhill.
Your team has shown much attacking flair, but defensive inconsistency has been the common thread," started one journalist, "can you deliver the clean sheets needed when trying to get promotion?
Noah leaned forward, composed as ever: "Balance is the name of the game in football, and for that reason, we try by all means to improve; I believe in my players and those who will show up in time.
Another reporter jumped in with, "Tom Radley said in his press conference today that Ravenhill is all attack and no defense. Care to respond?
Noah chuckled lightly. "Everyone's entitled to their opinion. We'll see what happens on the pitch."
While Noah remained composed, Radley was making his own comments to the press. "Ravenhill's a good side, but they're vulnerable when they lose the ball. We've studied their game, and we're ready."
Verbal sparring would seemingly have fanned the flames, and this raises the stakes in this encounter.
---
Later that evening, Noah sat in his office, going over the latest data from the system. The scouting report on Lyndhurst Town made mention of one Jamal Reid as their key danger man. The winger's tendency to cut inside from the left was a glaring threat.
"Lucas and the right flank are in for a world of hurt," Noah muttered.
It also gave him the morale check about his own squad: most of the players were motivated while others, including Lucas himself, showed some traces of nervousness.
Can't have that," Noah muttered under his breath, "confidence is everything.
He closed his eyes and reconsidered the game plan, revising his tactics to allow more support to fall at right flank.
---
Some of them even stayed in the locker room discussing the game the whole evening before the match.
Aaron McLean, the team's top scorer, noticed Lucas sitting alone, deep in thought.
"Hey, Lucas," Aaron called out. "You've been rock solid all season. Don't let one bad day in training get to you."
Lucas willed a small smile. "Thanks, Aaron. Just feel like the spotlight's on me, you know? One mistake, and it's posted on social media.
Aaron nodded and said, "True, but remember, somebody never sees the hard work you put in every day. We do, though. We got your back.".
The male bonding lifted Lucas's spirits, and he was able to leave the locker room on a note of determination.
---
Well after midnight, Noah had his tactic settled: Instead of their customary 4-2-3-1, Noah would employ a far more conservative 4-5-1.
"This will enable us to control the midfield and limit Lyndhurst's space in case of a counterattack," he told Jake.
Jake frowned. "It's a risk, the lads may not pick up fast enough."
"It's calculated," Noah said. "We can't afford to get gaps against a team like this." Jake nodded reluctantly. "Well, boss, let's make it work. --- The Lull Before the Storm As the team sat in their final pre-match briefing, Noah spoke to them with quiet confidence. "Lyndhurst will test us. They're fast, they're sharp, and they're waiting for us to slip up. But we've prepared for this. Trust the plan, trust each other, and play with heart." The players all nodded, eyes wide with concentration: Lucas straightened up a smidgen, Aaron wore his customary assurance, and the youngest at least looked ready. Noah watched them file out, feeling his nervousness mixed with anticipation. The task ahead was massive in his mind where the system was concerned. Three consecutive clean sheets. It all started here.