The bus ride to Ashbourne felt a little different. This wasn't just any league game. This was a game against the league leaders. Four wins and a draw from their first five games had Ashbourne full of confidence. For Crestwood, sitting in fifth, it was a chance to prove they belonged in the top of the league.
Ethan stared out the window his mind wandering from the homework he still had and the challenge up ahead. Mason got his attention "Biggest test yet"
Callum smirked "They haven't faced someone like me, I'm going to run them ragged."
Ethan managed a small grin hoping that Callum would be right.
The Ashbourne ground was bigger than most grounds they'd played at. Tall fences and small stands packed with parents and scouts surrounded the pitch. Crestwood went into the changing room quieter than usual.
"Ashbourne are at the top of the table for a reason," Coach Warren broke the silence. "They're physical, disciplined, and dangerous. However, that doesn't mean they're unbeatable. We've been getting better week by week. This is when we prove that we can fight for the title. Stay focused, stay brave, and play for each other."
The match started at a furious pace. Ashbourne pressed relentlessly, forcing Crestwood deep in their own half. Within the first ten minutes Ashbourne nearly scored when their winger crossed the ball and the Crestwood keeper was forced to tip the striker's header wide.
Crestwood's first chance game in the 18th minute. Ethan picked up the ball in midfield and slipped it to Callum, who turned and shot it just wide of the post.
Ashbourne struck in the 25th minute with a beautiful team goal. They played out from the back through the Crestwood midfield and defense leaving the strike one on one with the keeper. He coolly finished to put the home side up 1-0.
Ten minutes later Crestwood responded. Mason won a challenge in the midfield and fed it to Ethan. Ethan turned and delivered a through ball into Callum's stride. Callum didn't miss this time as he put the ball in the top corner to level the match at one.
Halftime came with the match still level and all to play for.
Ashbourne came out even stronger after the break. In the 53rd minute their captain rose highest for a corner and powered a header into the goal. 2-1 Ashbourne.
Mason started to bark orders and control the midfield more. Ethan demanded the ball every opportunity he had. In the 65th minute Ethan dribbled past two defenders and shot from distance forcing the keeper to make a save.
Crestwood's next opportunity came from a free kick just outside the box in the 72nd minute. Ethan, Mason, and Callum all stood over the ball discussing who should be taking the free kick. Eventually it was decided Ethan would be the one to take it. He stuck the ball over the wall and into the top corner to level the match at two all. The away bench erupted and teammates started to pile onto Ethan.
Both teams were pushing for a winner in the final 10 minutes of the game. In the 80th minute, Ashbourne nearly broke through. The striker had a one one with the keeper, but the keeper pulled off an incredible save to keep it level.
With the final chance of the game, Callum nearly won it with a shot that hit the wrong side of the post.
When the whistle blew the scoreboard read Ashbourne 2 Crestwood 2.
The Crestwood boys collapsed onto the grass exhausted, but proud that they held the league leaders to a draw away from home.
"That's how you fight," Mason said in a low voice.
Callum grinned, "I told you they wouldn't keep me off the scoresheet."
Ethan laid on the ground thinking about how he equalized the match and silenced the home crowd.