The next week spirits at Crestwood were high. Coming from behind twice to get a draw against Riverton had given the boys the belief that they could compete with the best teams in the league. Coach Warren had to remind the players that football was not just about playing well against the big boys. It was also handling business against teams in the bottom of the league as well. The next Saturday brought a home game against Harrington. Harrington had lost all four games to start the season and was desperate to turn their season around.
In the changing room the players were having fun, obviously thinking that Harrington was just going to roll over and just give them the win. Coach Warren's words told a different story. "Harrington may be at the bottom of the league, but don't you dare take them lightly. Yes, they're struggling right now, but the most dangerous games are against teams that are struggling and after we played well against a top team. A combination of those two items can make a team like us lose focus and give them belief that they can beat us. Do not let that happen."
The game started very scrappy. Harrington were desperate to pick up their first point of the season, pressed high and threw themselves into every tackle. Within five minutes, Ethan had been taken out twice, and Mason had to tell the back line to switch on. Once Crestwood settled down, their talent advantage started to show. In the 14th minute, Ethan received the ball, turned, and passed it through to Callum. Callum made no mistake and placed the ball in the bottom corner to take the lead. It was the first time that Crestwood had scored first all season.
That goal should've opened the floodgates, but Harrington didn't go down without a fight. In the 22nd minute, their striker intercepted a bad pass from the Crestwood defense and ran towards goal. Crestwood's keeper was barely able to get a hand to the ball to keep his team in front. Harrington had just fired a warning shot, letting their opponents know that they weren't going to make it easy.
At halftime Crestwood still led 1-0. The Crestwood players walked into the changing room frustrated that they haven't put the game away yet. Coach Warren told them, "Stop playing like we've already won. There's still another half left, and they know if they get another big chance, they can equalize and gain all the momentum. Be ruthless, and let's put this team away right now."
Crestwood started the second half sharper. Mason ran the midfield, and Ethan dictated play with confidence. In the 52nd minute, Ethan received the ball, faked a shot, and decided to play it to the right winger. The winger crossed it to Callum, who leapt but barely got his head on it. Mason had made a run behind Callum and was there for the flick-on and tapped the ball into the back of the net.
From there Crestwood had felt the win was secured. Ethan nearly added a third goal in the 65th minute when he dribbled past two players and his shot flew just over the bar. In the final minutes Crestwood passed the ball around with ease until the final whistle blew.
It wasn't the performance Crestwood was expecting, but it was enough to get the job done.
Mason clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "Didn't make any big mistakes today, Eastfield. Nice job."
"A goal and an assist for me. A few more games like that and I might win Player of the Year." Callum joked.
Ethan grinned, feeling the pressure ease. He didn't score, but he played a big part in both goals. He knew that sometimes football isn't about being in the headlines, it's about getting the job done.