The Coaching System-Chapter 50: A Heated Rematch: Bradford vs. Gillingham (FA Cup 2nd Round)

Pre-Match Build-Up

Jake sat in his office the night before the game, watching his screen as the system loaded its predictions. Because of its importance and their recent history together, both teams eagerly awaited their FA Cup second-round matchup.

The system indicated that the simulation was over with a low beep.

[Ding! Match Scenario Simulations Completed]

Win Probability: 65%

Draw Probability: 20%

Loss Probability: 15%

Jake exhaled. His team was favored, but he knew better than to take those numbers at face value. Gillingham were a team that thrived on disruption, and no algorithm could predict how dirty they would play.

Another screen popped up.

[Opponent Analysis – Gillingham FC]

Strengths:

Physically aggressive—strong in aerial duels.

Dangerous from set-pieces.

Disruptive pressing—opponents struggle to build momentum.

Weaknesses:

Ill-disciplined—prone to reckless tackles.

Slow transition defense—struggles against quick passing.

Strikers lack finishing ability—rely on set-piece goals.

Jake leaned back. "Same old Gillingham."

Paul Roberts, his assistant, walked in and sat across from him. "You've seen the reports?"

Jake nodded. "Yeah. They're predictable but still dangerous. If we remain composed, we will easily defeat them. But if we let them pull us into a battle, things might get out of hand."

Paul smirked. "That's what they want. You think the lads are ready for that?"

Jake gave it some thinking. Although his players were excited for this game, it wasn't necessarily a positive thing. He needed to keep their attention.

"That's my job," Jake said. "Tomorrow, we go in there and play football. Let them lose their heads."

Paul grinned. "And if they try to kick us off the pitch?"

Jake smirked. "Then we'll punish them on the scoreboard."

Matchday

The crowd was electric as Bradford stepped onto the pitch. Fans crowded the stands and chanted loudly. The rivalry between these two clubs had flared up during their previous meeting, and now that the FA Cup is on the line, the atmosphere felt much more intense.

Jake stood on the touchline, arms crossed, watching his players warm up. The returning Ahmed Saidi was stretching on the sidelines—his first game back after two months out. The fans cheered his name.

Jake glanced over at the Gillingham players. They were already looking for trouble—pushing, shoving, talking trash.

"Same old Gillingham," Jake muttered under his breath.

He turned to his team and clapped his hands. "Listen up!"

Every player locked in.

"They're going to foul. They're going to waste time. They're going to try to drag you into fights. Ignore all of it."

He pointed toward the pitch. "We play our game. Fast passing, movement, clinical finishing. Let them kick shadows."

His players nodded. They were ready.

Starting XI (4-3-3 Formation)

Goalkeeper:

Emeka Okafor

Defenders:

James Richards (RB)

Nathan Barnes (CB)

Noah Fletcher (CB)

Lewis Hart (LB)

Midfielders:

Daniel Lowe (CDM)

Alejandro Ortega (CM)

Ryan Carter (CM)

Forwards:

Renan Silva (RW)

Joe Thompson (ST)

jamie Collins (LW)

Jake opted for his strongest lineup. Carter and Ortega controlled midfield, while Silva and Collins provided pace on the wings. Thompson, in red-hot form, started up front.

The referee blew the whistle.

Kickoff.

It was time for payback.

First Half

5th Minute

The first few minutes were cagey, with both teams testing each other. But then, Gillingham made their move.

Ortega picked up the ball in midfield and turned—before he could pass, BANG! A Gillingham midfielder smashed into him from behind.

Ortega hit the ground hard.

Jake stepped forward, arms outstretched. "Are you kidding me?! That's a foul!"

The referee waved play on.

Paul cursed. "It's happening already."

Jake clenched his jaw. The officials were letting things go. That meant one thing—Gillingham would push the limits.

15th Minute

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Gillingham's aggressive approach had a flaw—they left gaps at the back.

And Bradford was too sharp not to exploit it.

Collins picked up the ball on the left wing, his pace immediately forcing the Gillingham right-back into a backpedal. Instead of forcing a cross, Collins cut inside, drawing two defenders toward him.

Jake leaned forward on the sideline. Now! Find the gap!

Collins delayed just enough to bait the center-back forward before threading a perfectly weighted pass into Carter's feet.

Carter didn't hesitate—a one-touch flick between two defenders—straight into the path of Silva, who had made a late run into the box.

One touch to set himself.

One touch to shoot.

The Brazilian struck it low and hard toward the near post!

Gillingham's keeper dived—too late!

GOAL! (1-0 Bradford!)

Valley Parade erupted! The fans roared as Silva sprinted toward the corner flag, arms spread wide in celebration.

On the sideline, Jake clenched his fists and let out a sharp breath. That's how you respond!

Collins ran over, jumping onto Silva's back as the rest of the team followed, mobbing the winger in celebration.

Meanwhile, Gillingham's players looked at each other, frustration growing.

Their plan had been clear—rattle Bradford with early fouls, break their rhythm, and take control.

But now?

They were the ones on the back foot.

Jake turned to Paul, his assistant. "Their game plan is failing. They'll start getting desperate."

Paul nodded. "More fouls incoming."

Jake smirked. "Good. Let them lose control. We'll punish them again."

30th Minute

Bradford kept control, moving the ball with speed.

Ortega, who had been targeted early, finally found space and launched a beautiful diagonal pass toward Thompson.

Thompson chested it down, let the ball bounce once, then hammered it past the keeper!

GOAL! (2-0 Bradford!)

Jake grinned. "Clinical."

Gillingham were losing their composure.

38th Minute

Gillingham had no answer to Bradford's football.

So they resorted to dirty tricks.

A late challenge on Lowe sent him flying. No yellow card.

Carter was shoved off the ball after the whistle. No yellow card.

Then, in the 44th minute, a Gillingham defender clattered into Silva after he passed the ball.

Jake exploded off the bench. "THAT'S A FOUL!"

The referee finally gave a yellow card.

Jake smirked. "Took you long enough."

Halftime

The whistle blew. Bradford 2-0 Gillingham.

Jake and his staff walked into the dressing room to a confident but focused squad.

Jake stood in front of them. "You're doing everything right. Keep your heads. They're trying to turn this into a brawl because they know they can't beat us with football."

He pointed at Carter and Ortega. "You two—dictate the tempo. Don't let them rush you."

Finally, he turned to the whole squad.

"Finish this game the right way."

They nodded.

Saidi stood up from the bench, stretching. "Boss… I'm ready."

Jake gave him a look. "You'll get your minutes."

He smiled.

The second half was coming.

And Bradford were one step away from the next round.