Baffins Milton Rovers Lions faced off against Fleetlands Youth U14 Blacks at Furze Lane on 14 September 2024, in a thrilling league home match that ended with a decisive scoreline of 8-2 in favour of the home side. Kick-off was set for 9:30 am, and the match showcased a dominant performance by the Lions, who clearly had the upper hand throughout the encounter.
The Lions deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation, allowing them to maintain solidity at the back while providing ample support in the midfield and attack. Layton Powell stood tall in goal, behind a defensive line comprising Sonny Watts on the right, Fletcher Metherell and Rio Jeans-Eguxoraku as central defenders, and Harry Cheal on the left. Trysten George played as a lone defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition plays and facilitating transitions to the forward line. Ahead of him were Charlie Fletcher and Frankie Cregan on the right and central midfielder positions, with Logan Port and Callum Redshaw operating as left and right attacking midfielders respectively, creating width and opportunities for striker Presley Stewart.
Substitutes for the match included John Creamer, Lenny Duffin, Oliver Urry, and Freddie Thornton, all of whom would have the chance to make an impact from the bench as the game unfolded.
The match began with a spirited attempt from Presley Stewart just a minute in, but he missed the target, sending the ball wide. Logan Port came close just two minutes later; however, his effort was saved, as was Stewart's again in the seventh minute, showcasing the Lions' early attacking intent.
The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Callum Redshaw converted a header from a Charlie Fletcher free kick, sending the home supporters into raptures. Redshaw doubled the lead just two minutes later with another header, this time from a close-range cross delivered by Logan Port. It was a commanding start, and Fleetlands were left reeling.
Despite the Lions' dominance, a handball by Fletcher Metherell in the 21st minute led to a penalty for Fleetlands, and they reduced the deficit in the 22nd minute with a goal from the spot, sending the ball past Layton Powell.
Undeterred, Baffins continued to press forward. Presley Stewart’s shot was saved shortly after, and Sonny Watts also tested the Fleetlands goalkeeper but couldn’t find the net. Tactical changes were made in the 24th minute as John Creamer replaced Trysten George, aiming to strengthen the team as they pursued further goals.
Success followed for the Lions in the 26th minute when Sonny Watts scored with a header from a corner taken by Charlie Fletcher. The Lions continued to create chances, but attempts from Logan Port and others remained unconverted, showcasing a mix of tenacity and frustration in their pursuit of goals.
At the half-time whistle, the score stood at 4-1 to the Lions, leaving Fleetlands needing a massive effort to turn the tide in the second half.
Following the break, Freddie Thornton made an immediate impact, scoring inside the box in the 37th minute to extend the lead, displaying a strong attacking presence. Fleetlands, however, managed to grab a second goal just two minutes later through a defensive mistake from the Lions.
Baffins didn’t let their guard down and saw attempts from Freddie Thornton and Logan Port thwarted by the Fleetlands goalkeeper. In the 43rd minute, Lenny Duffin converted a chance with a well-placed shot, making the scoreline 6-2.
The Lions showcased their dominance with further tactical substitutions in the 60th minute, bringing on Presley Stewart, Callum Redshaw, and Frankie Cregan to invigorate their attack. Although chances continued to come thick and fast, it wasn’t until the 68th minute that Frankie Cregan found the back of the net with another header from a Charlie Fletcher corner, bringing the tally to seven.
The scoring was completed in dramatic fashion when Charlie Fletcher tapped in the eighth goal with just seconds remaining, after a pass from Callum Redshaw, sealing an emphatic victory for the home side at 8-2.
In what was a display of attacking finesse and resilience, Baffins Milton Rovers Lions showcased their capabilities, with Frankie Cregan and John Creamer standing out as players of the match, each contributing significantly to the Lions' resounding win.
