In a closely contested league match held at Wolverley CE Secondary School on 22 March 2025, Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix faced off against Kidderminster Lions U11. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and concluded with a scoreline of 3-1 in favour of the Lions, leaving Academykicks with much to ponder as they seek to improve in future fixtures.
Academykicks lined up in a 2-3-2-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Charlie Waller took his position in goal, shielded by central defenders Archie Zeall and Freddie Middleton. The midfield trio consisted of Alfie Coates on the right, Alfie Hannis in the centre, and Lex Bellingham on the left, while Daniel Taylor and Cayden Whitehurst operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Noah Lewis led the line as the striker, tasked with converting chances into goals. The substitutes included Jake Litchfield-Wall, Leo Rainbow, Austin Bartlett, and Jack Waters, ready to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The match began with a bright start for Academykicks, as Noah Lewis opened the scoring just three minutes in, finishing a well-worked team move with his right foot, assisted by Alfie Coates. However, the lead was short-lived, as Kidderminster Lions equalised only a minute later through a goalmouth scramble, capitalising on a moment of disarray in the Academykicks defence.
As the first half progressed, Charlie Waller was called into action, showcasing his skills with a full-stretch save in the 10th minute, followed by a parry to deny another effort just four minutes later. The pressure from the Lions was relentless, but Waller's heroics kept the score level for the time being.
In the 15th minute, Academykicks made a tactical change, bringing on Jake Litchfield-Wall for Lex Bellingham and Leo Rainbow for Alfie Coates. Shortly after, Austin Bartlett replaced Cayden Whitehurst, and Jack Waters came on for Noah Lewis in the 23rd minute, as the team looked to regain control of the match.
Despite their efforts, Academykicks struggled to create clear-cut chances. Alfie Hannis had an attempt that went wide in the 24th minute, while Jack Waters made a key pass in the 28th minute that created a chance, although it ultimately did not lead to a goal. The first half ended with the score at 1-1, leaving both teams with everything to play for in the second half.
The second half saw further tactical adjustments, with Lex Bellingham re-entering the fray for Freddie Middleton, and Alfie Coates returning for Daniel Taylor shortly after. Noah Lewis was substituted back on for Alfie Hannis in the 38th minute, as Academykicks sought to bolster their attacking options.
However, the Lions struck again in the 48th minute, scoring from another goalmouth scramble to take a 2-1 lead. Academykicks continued to push for an equaliser, with Cayden Whitehurst and Daniel Taylor both having attempts saved shortly after. Waller's defensive contributions were crucial, as he made a clearance in the 52nd minute to prevent a further goal.
As the match wore on, Academykicks struggled to find their rhythm, and a fluke goal from the Lions in the 57th minute sealed their fate, extending the deficit to 3-1. Despite a valiant effort from the team, including a slide rule pass from Lex Bellingham that created a chance for Cayden Whitehurst's saved attempt, they could not find the back of the net again.
In the end, it was Charlie Waller who stood out as the player of the match, with his impressive saves and defensive work keeping Academykicks in the contest for as long as possible. The defeat serves as a learning opportunity for Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix as they prepare for their next challenge in the league.
