Chapter 33: Fa Cup: Derby vs Northampton II
The Derby County locker room buzzed with excitement during halftime. Laughter and high-fives filled the air as players congratulated one another. Martyn Waghorn leaned back in his seat, still catching his breath. "Nice finish, Max! That second goal was pure class."
Max Bird grinned, a towel draped over his shoulders. "Couldn't have done it without David's pass. That kid..." He turned toward David, who sat quietly sipping water. "You're magic out there, mate. Keep it up."
Wayne Rooney, their player-coach, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Great work in the first half, lads. Keep that momentum going. Remember, the job's not done yet. Stay sharp."
Meanwhile, in the away locker room, Northampton's atmosphere was tense. Their coach stood in front of the players, his face a mix of frustration and determination.
"We're not out of this yet," he barked. "But if you want to turn it around, you've got to fight for it. Forget finesse. Be physical. Be relentless. And that sixteen-year-old?" He jabbed a finger in the air. "Don't let him run the game. Get rough if you have to. Make him feel it."
The defenders exchanged glances and nodded grimly, their resolve hardening.
The second half kicked off with Northampton coming out like a storm. Their high press disrupted Derby's rhythm, forcing mistakes and rushed passes. Within minutes, the game became a battle of grit and guile.
David, ever composed, danced past two pressing players with a clever turn, sending the crowd into rapturous applause. Moments later, Jason Knight surged down the flank, delivering a cross that narrowly missed Waghorn's outstretched boot. Derby threatened, but Northampton's defense held firm.
At the other end, Northampton's number nine blasted a shot that whizzed inches over the bar. Then came the foul. In the 51st minute, as Curtis Davies rose for a header, Northampton's burly forward collided with him mid-air, sending him crashing to the ground. The ball fell to a Northampton midfielder, who rifled it into the net.
Derby's players erupted in protest, Rooney leading the charge to the referee. "He knocked Davies down! That was a foul!" he shouted. But the referee waved them away, pointing to the center circle. The goal stood.
Northampton's fans roared with approval. It was 2-1.