Football singularity

Chapter 307 307 Edouard's Bad Luck

Edouard was standing over the ball now waiting for the referee's whistle so he could restart the game. His mood was a gloomy one not knowing what was going on with him today he already had 2 clear goal scoring opportunities one in the 10th minute and another in the 14th. However, he was unable to convert them for the team, it was almost as if all his luck had suddenly left his boots.

The first chance came after the pitch invade exited the field and the match resumed. Hearts momentum was doused with cold water after her action giving them a good chance to capitalise on it and try it, they did. Forrest chested the ball from Bain down using his silky footwork to create some separation from Mulraney. A quick give and go with Rogic in the centre of the field and he was racing down the flank hoping his teammate would connect with him.

Rogic didn't disappoint sending a pinpoint lob over the head of Hickey Heart's Left Back who had been too far up the field and was now scrambling back. James didn't miss out on the chance accelerating to his max speed show casing why he is one of the fastest wingers in the league as he blew past Hickey. Stretching his foot out on the descending ball he deftly brought it under his control hardly losing speed.

Eating up 5 more yards and he arrived at the side of the box as he looked into box trying to spot a green jersey to bless with an assist. However, all he saw was maroon figures scrambling back into their box and converging on him. Just as he was about to change his mind and dribble into the box himself, he heard the familiar voice of his teams striker.

"James Pass," Edouard shouted as he arrived on the right side of the D at the top of the Hearts 18 yard box. He had just cleverly lost his marker who had scrambled back to closed down the area allowing him some breathing room to manoeuvre and now he just needed the ball. Lucky for him Forrest wasn't the selfish type and immediately released a sharp pass in-between the gap of Hickey, and Berra who were converging on him trying to shut him down.

Edouard crisply received the ball with his left foot directly setting up his stronger right for a shot. No player was in his 2 meter radius allowing enough time to place the shot despite the maroon jerseys rushing towards him as if he was about to shoot their mother. That didn't bother him though as a slight smirk appeared on his face and fired off a shot hitting the ball perfectly. It was a powerful shot, but it was also well placed toward the far left corner forcing the keeper across his goal.

The stadium held its breath already seeing the ball enter the net as Zlamal had been too close to his near post just in case Forrest decided to shoot. Even though it was unlikely from that angle, but in the off chance he did, no amount of excuses would save him if he managed to score. Thus, he was left scrambling across his line as he watched the ball fly towards him but out of his reach.

He knew he couldn't save it but dove in the air anyway wishing he could grow longer in the air, or a strong breeze would help him out. It seems like God had heard his player or maybe Edouard had aimed too well as in the next moment a dull thud resounded around the filed. The ball ricocheted off his cross bar losing all its momentum as it popped up in the air falling towards Souttar on his five yard line.

Crashing to the ground he breathed a sigh of relief only to jump up in panic as he saw the ball smack his stunned defender in the face and fly back towards his net. Like a cat coming in contact with water he jumped up with power he didn't know he had and pounced on the loose ball tucking it safely towards his body as he once again fell to the ground. (Ughhhhh) the loud groaning of the Celtic fans resounded through the stadium as they felt their emotions toyed with.

They had been expectant when their striker took the shot but where quickly disappointed when he hit the woodwork. They regained hope once again with Soutter's smack in the face only to be disappointed once again when Zlamal performed his job of stopping them. Whilst the Celtic players where groaning in disappointment, the Hearst fans breathed a sigh of relief calming their racing hearts. Immediately after they clapped in happiness at, they keepers performance that saved them from going behind.

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[20]

Despite missing the chance to go ahead Celtic didn't relent in pushing their advantage not allowing Hearts to settle back into the game. Playing their characteristic possession game with Lennons blend of Attacking tactics they stretched and compacted their opponents in an attempt to find a break through. Their patience paid off when Johnston sent a long pass back to Ajer after failing to beat Edwards and Smith's encirclement.

Maybe it was the fact that they hadn't touched the ball in 3 minutes or simply wanting to contribute to their team but for some reason Clare, MacLean, and Mulraney all simultaneously charged forward. They tried to apply pressure on the Celtic backline trying to force them into a mistake and it worked as Ajer was forced to play a hasty pass to Simunovic on his right. Lucky for him his Croatian Defensive partner remained calm meeting the oncoming ball completely disregarding MacLean's charge.

He put his boot through the ball almost as if he was trying to hit a phantom ball behind it sending a weighted carpet pass forward. The ball zoomed across the pitch crossing 30 yards in the blink of a moment before anyone could even react instantly reaching the feet of Edouard who hadn't been expecting a pass at that moment. Taking a shaky touch, he did his best to hold off Souttar before flicking the ball to his right behind the back of Smith who was now facing Johnston.

The winger was only lightly faking a run not expecting to actually get the ball, but he didn't complain as he instantly accelerated past Smith. The Hearts right back scrambled to turn on his axis before chasing after Johnston trying his best to make up ground. But it was too late the winger had already reached the byline in 4 long strides before he sent a teasing cross into the box.

The ball flew teasingly into the box homing in around the are close to the back post right into the path of Forrest and Hickey who both leapt into the air. Both players fought in the air for superiority, but Hickey came out on top reaching a higher apex heading the ball. However, he was unable to direct it away from his box as the ball flew to the area in front of his teams penalty spot.

To his horror it was flying right towards Edouard who was fighting shoulder to shoulder with Souttar. Not hesitating the striker swing his foot trying to take the ball on the volley knowing his marker wouldn't let him control it. However, he underestimated the man's strength as just as he raised his foot their shoulders clashed deviating the angle of his wing. What followed was a thunderous shot heading towards the goal and up, way up and away trying to blast off at the speed of light.

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To Be Continued...