Sunday, May 30th. 09:00 AM. Wembley Way.
The atmosphere was different today. Yesterday, Wembley Way was filled with navy and white, smelling of expensive lager and optimism. Today, it was black and white (Notts County) versus amber and black (Crestwood). It smelled of pies, nerves, and desperation.
Ethan walked up the famous ramp. He wore sunglasses and a hoodie to stay low-key. His head was pounding because the West Brom promotion party ran until 4 AM, but he wouldn't miss this for anything.
He found Gary near the Bobby Moore statue.
"You look rough," Gary said, handing him a bottle of water.
"Worth it," Ethan replied. "Where are they?"
"Team bus just arrived. They're in the changing rooms."
10:00 AM. The Crestwood Changing Room.
It was the same room West Brom used yesterday. The champagne stains were gone, but the smell of victory still hung in the air.
Mason Turner sat in the corner, staring at the peg where Ethan's shirt had been yesterday. He closed his eyes and pictured the trophy lift.
Callum Reid paced back and forth, listening to high-tempo drum and bass on his headphones while slapping his thighs.
The Gaffer walked in, looking terrified. This was the biggest game of his life.
"Lads," the Gaffer said, his voice shaking slightly. "Notts County. The oldest club in the world. They have history. We have... a pub next to our ground."
A few players chuckled nervously.
"But history doesn't play right-back," the Gaffer went on. "History doesn't score goals. You do. You beat Wrexham. You beat Woking. You beat Chesterfield. You are the giant killers."
He pointed to the door.
"One game. Win it, and you are legends forever."
11:00 AM. The Tunnel.
The teams lined up. Notts County looked professional. They were tall, athletic, and confident. They finished 2nd with 107 points. In any other season, they would have been champions. Crestwood looked scrappy. Mason had tape on his nose. Callum had tape on his knee. Deano looked like he'd just fought a lawnmower.
Ethan, sitting in Block 122 next to Mia (who looked ill with nerves), leaned forward.
"Look at Mason," Ethan whispered.
Mason wasn't watching the pitch. He was fixed on the Notts County captain with an unblinking stare of intimidation.
"He's in the zone," Mia said
11:15 AM. Kickoff.
Crestwood United vs. Notts County.
The National League Promotion Final.
The game started fast. Notts County tried to control the ball, moving it from side to side, but Crestwood wouldn't allow that. They pressed like crazy.
12th Minute.
Callum Reid chased an unlikely ball into the corner. He won it, spun around, and earned a corner. He raised his arms to the Crestwood crowd.
"MAKE NOISE!" he yelled.
Ethan stood up and clapped. "Go on, Cal! Energy!"
35th Minute.
Disaster struck. Notts County's winger, Nemane, faced off against the Crestwood left-back. He darted past him and delivered a low cross. The striker, Langstaff (the league's top scorer), was in position for an easy tap-in.
GOAL.
Crestwood 0 - 1 Notts County.
Mason Turner punched the ground. He had been marking Langstaff, but the striker's movement was too quick. Ethan flinched in the stands. "Head up, Mase. Head up."
Halftime.
Crestwood 0 - 1 Notts County.
The mood in the Crestwood section was flat.
"They're too good," a fan behind Ethan muttered. "We had a good run, but they're professionals."
Ethan turned around, lowering his sunglasses.
"They beat Wrexham," Ethan said sharply. "Don't write them off."
The fan's eyes widened. "Matthews? Is that you?"
"Watch the game," Ethan replied, turning back around.
60th Minute.
Crestwood was barely holding on. Mason made a critical goal-line clearance, and the keeper pulled off a double save. They were hanging on by a thin thread.
"They need a spark," Gary said. "They look dead on their feet."
Ethan glanced at Callum. He wasn't running much. His hamstrings were tight.
"Just one moment," Ethan whispered. "One moment."
72nd Minute.
Mason Turner won the ball on defense. Rather than clearing it, he surged forward. The "Libero" run again. He bypassed the midfield like a runaway train.
He looked up and saw Callum making a short run. Mason played the ball to Callum's feet.
Callum had his back to the goal, 25 yards out. He felt the defender close behind him. He dropped his shoulder and spun around. The defender bought the fake.
Callum was free. He didn't drive into the box. Instead, he noticed the keeper slightly off his line.
He went for the audacious move and chipped it.
The ball soared over the mass of players, seeming to hang in the Wembley air forever. The keeper backpedaled, desperately reaching for it. The ball struck the underside of the bar and bounced down.
GOAL.
1-1.
Ethan jumped so high he almost toppled over the row in front.
"HE CHIPPED HIM! HE CHIPPED HIM AT WEMBLEY!"
88th Minute.
1-1. Extra time loomed. Crestwood had little left. Mason was limping. Callum was stretching his calf every time the ball went out.
Notts County earned a free kick just outside the box. A dangerous spot.
Ethan held his breath.
The ball curled over the wall, heading for the top corner. The Crestwood keeper, Smith, a 34-year-old journeyman, leaped across and got a fingertip on it. It hit the post and bounced out.
Mason Turner was there to clear it.
"MOVE!" Mason yelled at his team. "COUNTER!"
The ball found its way to Deano at the halfway line. Deano was tired but saw open space. He sprinted forward, with two Notts County defenders on his heels.
Deano held the ball up, waiting. He noticed a blur of amber sprinting from deep. It was Callum Reid, fighting through the cramp and pain.
Deano slid the pass. Callum was through, one-on-one.
90th minute at Wembley. A chance to win promotion to the Football League.
Ethan couldn't watch. "Please," Ethan whispered.
Callum took a touch as the keeper rushed out. He didn't chip it this time. He didn't blast it. He rolled it. Calmly, softly, into the bottom corner.
GOAL.
Crestwood 2 - 1 Notts County.
The Final Whistle.
The restart happened. Notts County launched a long ball. Mason headed it clear.
Whistle. Whistle. Whistle.
FULL TIME.
Crestwood United are promoted to League Two.
On the pitch, Callum collapsed. Mason fell to his knees, burying his face in the turf. In the stands, Ethan Matthews was crying harder than he had the day before.
He watched his best friends. The warehouse workers. The part-timers. The boys from the muddy park in Eastfield. They were now professional footballers.
Mia screamed, hugging Gary. Ethan pulled out his phone and took a photo of the scoreboard.
CRESTWOOD 2 - 1 NOTTS COUNTY.
He looked down at the pitch. Mason was staring up at Block 122, pointing at Ethan. Ethan pointed back.
The pact was complete.