After an inspiring victory in the previous round, Arief and his team faced a new phase full of pressure and high expectations. The next round in the English amateur league presented much tougher opponents and more complex strategies.
In the changing room, the atmosphere was different. Dim lights and cold air filled the small room, accompanied by anxious whispers and the players' final preparations. Arief stood at the front, exuding an aura of calm and focus.
"Today we are no longer playing as a team that is ridiculed. Now is the time to show who we really are," he said firmly, his eyes looking at each player one by one. "Our tactics are a little more complicated, but they are the tools for our victory. Remember, discipline and communication are the lifeblood of the game."
Lisa, the assistant coach, shared the final briefing, helping to clarify each player's role based on an in-depth analysis of the opponents. They decided to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with a strong defensive focus and quick counterattacks, strengthening the midfield with two solid defensive midfielders.
Tom, the captain, took on the leadership role by reminding everyone that harmony was key. "We have to look out for each other, don't hesitate to warn each other if something is wrong. We are one family here."
Mental training was also a major focus. Arief led breathing and visualisation sessions that guided the players to imagine victory as the result of hard work together, overcoming any fear and anxiety that might arise.
Arief's family once again became his main support. Natalia, Sari, and Dewi took turns encouraging him through voice messages and videos, strengthening Arief's determination as he missed them constantly. These moments were like fuel to keep Arief strong amid the intense competition and mounting administrative tasks.
When the morning of the match arrived, Nailsworth Town stepped onto the field with renewed spirit. Arief and the team knew they were not just fighting for the win of a single match, but to prove the long process and struggles they had endured so far.
With every breath and passing second, they moved as one united entity.
***
The morning training session was more intense than previous days. Arief and Lisa led the tactical preparations by dividing the players into units to focus the training on the defensive line, midfield transition, and attacking third.
Arief reiterated the concept of high pressing, which had been an effective weapon in putting pressure on opponents from the halfway line. "Remember, lads, we have to counter-press immediately after losing the ball, don't give them any space," he said emphatically, pointing to the tactics board.
Lisa added, "We also have to be wary of through balls from our opponents that could break our offside trap. So the full-backs have to be ready to drop back quickly to guard the flanks."
Tom, the captain leading the warm-up, gave instructions on overlapping runs that could help open up the opponent's defence. He knew very well that the wingers had to work extra hard to deliver accurate crosses into the penalty box.
On the training ground, set-piece training focused on corner and free-kick scenarios, as several of the opponent's crucial goals had come from dead-ball situations. Arief wanted their set plays to be sharp and varied.
"Focus on tight marking and zonal defence when the opponent takes a corner kick," added Lisa with professional enthusiasm.
The afternoon tactical briefing session was reinforced with video analysis of previous matches. Arief showed the team how they managed to control the tempo through ball retention and positional play.
"The build-up play from the back must be neat, don't rush to send long balls that are easy to anticipate," said Arief. He cited the philosophy of 'keep it simple, keep it effective' as the main principle.
The players' mentality was also honed through discussions on game management, especially when facing tight matches and how to maintain composure in order to stay focused until the final whistle.
Amidst all these technical and tactical training sessions, messages of support from family continued to strengthen Arief. A voice message from Dewi, using light-hearted football terms like "Don't let the ball slip out of your control, okay!" serves as both a joke and a simple reminder that football is part of life, not just a job.
With this thorough preparation, Nailsworth Town is ready to step into the next match with confidence. The result is not just a target, but a process that trains them to become a tougher and more solid team.
***
The next match day is fast approaching. The stadium grounds are muddy from a night of rain, but the spirit in the changing room is burning even brighter. Arief steps in one last time to give a pep talk that touches on the core of their football philosophy.
"We're not just here to kick off and score goals. We are here to play the beautiful game with discipline, hard work, and intelligence," he said. "Maintain the team shape, don't give up possession easily, and always be ready to press high."
Tom, wearing the captain's armband, effectively led the team, reminding his teammates to maintain tight marking and not give the opponents space to make clever through balls that could split their defence.
On a wet pitch, Nailsworth Town played at a fast tempo—counter-attacks occurred repeatedly, reinforced by overlapping runs from the full-backs that provided wide play options. Percy stood out with his clever hold-up play, holding the ball up and giving the midfield time to push forward.
Lisa, observing from the sidelines, continued to signal with gestures for the players to consistently apply zonal marking and be ready to make slide tackles when needed.
Arief, in his usual style, continued to shout instructions, keeping the players focused so they wouldn't get caught up in second guessing and remain cool under pressure, especially when facing set pieces, which were the opponent's weapon.
The match was fierce, with the half-time whistle bringing the score to a draw. In the locker room, Arief and Lisa emphasised the importance of game management—how to set the tempo and not rush into the second half.
Amidst exhaustion, the players mental toughness was tested. They had to maintain their composure and take advantage of opportunities that came through cutback passes and quick one-twos.
Finally, in the crucial minutes, Nailsworth Town broke the deadlock with a tap-in from Percy's rebound. The crowd cheered loudly in the small stadium.
As the final whistle blew, the victory was achieved not only because of the goal, but also because of the teamwork, strategy, and character that had grown throughout the long journey.
That evening, Arief contacted his family with a sense of relief and gratitude. The loving support from Natalia, Sari, and Dewi had been a pillar that kept him going.
"A great journey that we have just continued," he said at the end of the video call. "But this is not the final destination—just one more step towards our dream."
***
A few days after an important victory, the atmosphere at Nailsworth Town FC was filled with new challenges. Arief carefully observed that although the team's performance had improved, fatigue was beginning to set in after a busy schedule of matches.
During recovery training sessions, Arief and Lisa focused on regeneration sessions—light exercise, stretching, and therapy to prevent muscle strain. "We have to take care of the players' condition, because this fixture congestion is not easy," said Arief.
However, the biggest challenge came from the team dynamics. Some of the younger players were becoming frustrated with the strict player rotation. Tom, as captain, played a mediating role to keep communication open and ensure that everyone felt they had an important role to play.
Arief led a team meeting to discuss this issue honestly. "Everyone has the opportunity to play, but we have to support each other. This rotation is to maintain stamina and anticipate injuries that could threaten us in the long season."
In tactical drills, they practised pressing traps and counter-pressing, which were increasingly applied with discipline. Lisa warned the players about the potential for counter-attacks from the opposition, especially if there was a turnover in midfield.
Arief also reminded them of the importance of set pieces and dead ball situations, as several key goals usually came from those moments.
The pressure from sponsors and the media spotlight on Nailsworth Town's success also became a burden. However, Arief wisely managed publicity, choosing to focus on the team rather than controversy.
Meanwhile, his family became an oasis of calm. Funny messages and comments from Sari and Dewi sometimes made Arief laugh in the midst of pressure.
Arief ended the day with a brief reflection in his journal, writing that football is not just about technique and physicality, but the art of managing people with all their complexities.
With that awareness, he was convinced that this 'New Step', though difficult, was part of the journey that must be taken to bring Nailsworth Town to achieve its big dream.
***
After several challenging weeks, Nailsworth Town FC has grown into a force to be reckoned with. A packed schedule of matches and training sessions has become a routine that must be undertaken with full commitment.
During intense training sessions, Arief introduced a rotational system to maintain player stamina and maximise performance during the long competition. He emphasised the importance of understanding dual roles, how players must be ready to take over a teammate's position in case of sudden substitutions.
The team also honed their dead ball delivery and set-piece variation skills—one of their secret weapons that they hope will create crucial moments when facing tough opponents.
Captain Tom matured as an on-field leader, acting as both the controller of the game's rhythm and a motivator when the situation became tense. He often served as the link between the coach and the players, maintaining a balanced atmosphere.
However, the pressure did not only come from the field. Roy and the club management began to demand more concrete results, implying that sponsorship support could increase if Nailsworth Town continued to perform consistently. Arief responded to this with a cool head. He knows that success cannot be measured solely by quick wins, but must be built on a strong foundation.
In a moment of reflection, Arief writes in his journal, 'Football is a masterclass in life: it demands strategy, hard work, patience, and togetherness. It's not just about winning, but how we interpret each match as a lesson.'
Family support remains Arief's primary source of energy. Messages and videos from Natalia, Sari, and Dewi provide invaluable mental boosts amid all the demands and pressures.
This new chapter closes with Arief and the team's confidence that this new step will bring them closer to the top, as long as passion, discipline, and a sense of unity are maintained.