Chapter 68: Fire in the Fight
Saturday, April 3
Broadfield Stadium pulsed beneath April's pale sun, a low heat clinging to the turf as 3,500 fans filled every seat, red scarves swaying like signal flags.
The roar of "Red Devils!" rolled like thunder, echoing off the roofs, into the sky, and deep into the bones of the squad.
Grimsby Town had come ready mid-table, sure, but no less dangerous.
They were big, physical, uncompromising. The kind of team that didn't chase dreams, but kicked them in the teeth.
Niels knew it.
That's why Nate sat this one out, his knee too precious to risk.
Dev Patel started on the left, his usual spark crackling behind focused eyes.
In the dressing room, a new superstition had taken root. One by one, players tapped the scuffed toes of Max's old boots by his locker, like pilgrims touching stone.
"Max-y's boots, our luck!" Liam called, smirking as he ruffled Thiago's hair.
