Fa Cup: Derby vs Northampton

The sun hung low over pride park stadium, casting long shadows across the pitch as the crowd buzzed with anticipation. Northampton Town's supporters filled the air with chants, their claret-and-white scarves waving proudly in the wind. making it seem like their home turf, their chance to create an upset in the FA Cup. On the other side of the stadium, the Derby County fans were equally vocal, their black-and-white banners a stark contrast against the claret sea.

David Jones adjusted his armband as he stood in the midfield circle. At sixteen, he was already a name whispered across the footballing world, but whispers alone wouldn't silence his critics. The talk of his performance against Crystal Palace being a mere stroke of luck still lingered. Today, he would put that to rest.

The whistle blew, and the game began at a frantic pace. Northampton, buoyed by the energy of their fans, pressed high and fast. Their intent was clear—they wouldn't allow Derby an easy start.

The opening exchanges were chaotic. Northampton's number ten unleashed a curling free-kick in the fifth minute that whistled past the post, sending the home fans into a frenzy. Moments later, a towering header rattled Derby's crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd.

David gritted his teeth as he watched the ball rebound clear. "We need to settle this," he muttered to Jason Knight, who nodded grimly.

And settle it they did.

Derby's backline began to play with composure, passing between themselves before releasing the ball to the midfield. It wasn't long before the ball found its way to David. He turned smoothly, gliding past an onrushing defender with a flick of his boot. The crowd, even Northampton's fans, let out an audible gasp.

With a quick look up, David spotted Knight sprinting down the left wing. The pass was perfection, a diagonal ball that cut through Northampton's defense like a knife. Knight received it with ease and drove towards the byline before sending a low cross into the box.

Martyn Waghorn, ever the poacher, was already in position. He met the ball with a clinical strike, sending it soaring past the keeper and into the back of the net.

The away section erupted in celebration as Waghorn wheeled away, arms outstretched, to the roar of Derby's traveling faithful.

David jogged over to join the celebration, a satisfied grin on his face. "One down," he said to Knight as they exchanged a quick high-five.

The restart was barely underway when Derby struck again.

It started, once more, with David. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, he feinted left, drawing two Northampton players toward him, before bursting through the gap they'd left. The crowd roared as he sprinted forward, his control of the ball seemingly effortless.

Reaching the edge of the box, David lifted his head and spotted Max Bird making a run. With a perfectly weighted pass, he threaded the ball through three defenders, finding Bird in stride.

Bird didn't hesitate. He took one touch to steady himself before firing the ball low and hard into the bottom corner.

"YES!" David shouted, pumping his fist as Bird was mobbed by their teammates. The scoreboard now read 2-0, and the Derby fans were in full voice, drowning out even the most passionate of Northampton's chants.

The rest of the first half was a masterclass from Derby County. David, in particular, seemed untouchable. He dribbled past players with ease, at one point nutmegging a defender and earning a chorus of "oohs" from the crowd. His vision was impeccable, setting up chances that forced Northampton's goalkeeper into several desperate saves.

By the time the halftime whistle blew, the commentators were full of praise.

"David Jones is running the show out there," one said. "It's like watching a seasoned professional, not a sixteen-year-old. He's been absolutely brilliant."

As the players walked off the pitch, David glanced up at the scoreboard. 2-0. A good lead, but there was more to do.

He jogged into the tunnel, his mind already on the second half.