The end of the match

If the story receives 30 power stones in the next 48 hours, I will share one additional chapter.

Kay's practical month with Starlight FC had already finished in the advanced chapters.

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The ball sailed into the box, curving toward the cluster of players jostling for position. 

Dragan, Starlight FC's towering striker, was locked in a physical battle with Caine, Ashford's captain. 

Both men leaped into the air, but Dragan's strength prevailed. He powered the ball out of the box, sending it high into the sky. 

The cleared ball dropped to the ground just outside the penalty area, where Antony and Flash were positioned. 

Flash, was confident he could beat Antony to the ball. But Antony, aware of his position, took a calculated risk. 

With a deft touch, he sent the ball behind Flash, initiating a footrace. 

Flash's confidence began to wane when he turned to chase down the ball. Antony, running with strength determined to secure victory. 

Flash's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Antony's back getting farther and farther away. The realization hit him hard; Antony was faster now. 

As the two players dashed toward Ashford's empty goal, the gap between them widened with every stride. 

Flash pushed himself harder, but fatigue slowed him down. He felt a sharp pain in his thighs, an ominous sign that his muscles were reaching their limit. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't close the distance. 

Flash couldn't believe how drained he felt. The match had pushed both teams to their limits, but he noticed Antony seemed to still have energy left in the tank. 

It confused him more that both of them had been on the pitch for the full ninety minutes, yet Antony looked fresher. 

Flash didn't know that Kay had instructed Antony before to conserve his stamina for the final phase of the match, ensuring he had enough energy to make a difference when it mattered most. 

Antony was sprinting at full speed, his mind laser-focused on the ball ahead. He resisted the temptation to glance back, knowing that even the smallest hesitation could allow Flash to reach the ball first. Instead, he kept his eyes forward, determined to reach the ball first. 

When Antony finally reached the ball, he took a quick look behind him. What he saw left him confused; Flash was much farther behind than he had expected. 

Without breaking his stride, Antony advanced toward the goal, the roar of the crowd growing louder with each step. 

He kept his composure, knowing this was the moment Kay had prepared him for. With the goalkeeper out of position and no defenders in sight, Antony calmly slotted the ball into the empty net, pushing the score to 3-1. 

Antony's teammates rushed to celebrate with him, but his first instinct was to find Kay, just like Sam did before. 

He sprinted toward the sideline, where Kay was waiting with a broad smile. The two exchanged a quick embrace, a silent acknowledgment of the trust and strategy that had led to this pivotal goal. 

Meanwhile, up in the VIP section, Mr. Collins sat with a contented smile on his face. As he watched Antony score, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. 

He turned to the man sitting next to him, a longtime friend, and said with a hint of satisfaction, "I knew bringing Kay was the best decision I've made. Just look at them, Antony and Sam, the two players he added to the starting lineup, both scoring in this crucial match. It's like they're thanking him for the opportunity." 

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match, the players of Starlight FC began to gather near their fans' side. 

The game had been intense, filled with strategic plays, and moments of brilliance. 

Starlight FC had managed to hold onto their lead. The fans cheered, celebrating their team's hard-fought victory, while the Ashford supporters, were disappointed with the performance their team had shown. 

Kay, feeling the weight of the match lift from his shoulders, walked over to the opposing manager to offer the customary handshake. 

As he approached, he noticed the Ashford manager's expression; a mix of frustration and disappointment. 

The man's brow was furrowed, and his lips were pressed into a thin line as he extended his hand toward Kay. 

"You played dirty," the Ashford manager said bluntly, his voice tinged with bitterness. 

"If your players hadn't fouled mine at every critical moment, the score could have been very different. We might have had a chance." 

Kay met his gaze steadily, not shying away from the accusation. He gave a small smirk, one that hinted at both confidence and a touch of mischief. 

"You're right," Kay replied calmly, his tone matter-of-fact. "But that changes nothing." 

The Ashford manager tightened his grip on Kay's hand for a moment before letting go, clearly unsatisfied with the response. 

Kay, however, felt That he did what he needed to. In his mind, the game was about doing whatever it took to secure a win within the rules, and his team had done just that. 

As he walked away, Kay felt a sense of satisfaction. The match had been tough, but his strategy had paid off. 

He knew that not every victory would be clean, but in the end, it was the result that mattered. 

He glanced back at the Ashford manager, who was now talking to his assistant, still shaking his head in frustration, and then he continued his road with a satisfied expression on his face. 

The players, drenched in sweat and adrenaline, embraced one another, celebrating their hard-fought victory. 

Amidst the celebrations, Mr. Collins, the club president, descended from the stands and made his way onto the field. 

He headed straight for Kay, clapping his hands in genuine admiration. "Congratulations, Kay!" he said, gripping his hand warmly. "You've done an extraordinary job today." 

Kay nodded, appreciative of the praise but modest as always. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. The players deserve the credit; they executed the plan perfectly." 

Mr. Collins then turned to Coach Daniels, who had been standing nearby, observing the celebrations. "What do you think of our young manager, Daniels?" 

Coach Daniels, looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "Kay's work has always impressed me, even during training sessions. But today… today he truly shocked me, it was like he could see the future out there. Every move he made, every adjustment, it was always one step ahead of the Ashford manager. He read the game like a seasoned pro, always anticipating the next move before it happened." 

Daniels paused, glancing over at Kay, who was now speaking with some of the players, offering them words of encouragement. 

"What's really remarkable, and honestly a bit fearsome, is his age, he's only 20, but he's already showing a level of tactical awareness and foresight that most managers don't develop until much later in their careers. I can't help but wonder what heights could he reach as he gains more experience?" 

Mr. Collins nodded, clearly pleased with what he was hearing. "It seems we've got something special here, a bright future ahead, indeed." 

As the celebrations began to wind down, Kay gathered the players around him for a final word. 

"You all played an incredible match, we faced a tough opponent, but you stuck to the plan, stayed disciplined, and most importantly, believed in each other. This win is a testament to your hard work and determination. Congratulations, and let's keep this momentum going." 

The players responded with cheers and applause, clearly inspired by their young manager's words. 

Kay then approached Mr. Collins, who had been still talking with Coach. Daniels. 

"Mr. Collins, I was wondering if it would be alright for me to return to the city on my own after the match, instead of taking the bus with the team. My parents are here watching, and it's been a long time since I spent some time with them. I'd like to go out with them if that's okay." 

Mr. Collins turned to Kay, a smile forming on his face. "Of course, Kay," he replied warmly. "You've earned it. Consider it a reward for winning the match. Go and enjoy the time with your parents, you deserve it." 

"Thank you, Mr. Collins," 

Kay stepped outside the stadium, the cool evening air a refreshing contrast to the intensity of the match. 

He pulled out his phone and quickly dialed his parents' number, eager to find out where they were standing among the crowd. 

As he waited for them to pick up, a steady stream of fans began to recognize him. One by one, they approached, offering their congratulations and praising his leadership during the game. 

Kay smiled politely, thanking each of them, but his eyes kept scanning the sea of faces for his parents. 

Finally, he spotted them in the distance, waving to catch his attention. Relieved, he began making his way toward them, but before he could get far, a group of young men surrounded him. 

See you in the next chapter...

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