In a thrilling league encounter at Brookvale Recreation Centre on 2nd November 2024, Beechwood Santos showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 7-2 Derby win. The match kicked off at 9:00 am and saw a spirited performance from both sides, but it was Santos who emerged as the dominant force.
Santos lined up in a 1-3-1 formation, with Albi stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive line was anchored by Lennox as the central defender, providing stability at the back. Ezra operated on the left as a midfielder, while Theo took up the right midfield role, both expected to support the attack and track back defensively. Bobby played centrally, orchestrating play and linking up with the forward, while Max led the line as the striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The match began with an electric start, as Max opened the scoring for Beechwood Santos just four minutes in, assisted by Ezra. The early goal set the tone for the match, with Santos looking to build on their lead. Max continued to threaten, but his attempt two minutes later was saved, showcasing the resilience of the new Beechwood Santos Sports goalkeeper Allesandro.
Albi, in goal for Santos, was called into action shortly after, making a confident catch in the seventh minute to maintain his side's advantage. Ezra was instrumental in midfield, making a key pass in the eighth minute that created a chance, although Max's follow-up shot went wide.
As the first half progressed, Bobby had a chance to extend the lead in the 15th minute, but his effort was saved. Ezra also tried his luck in the 18th minute, only to see his shot go wide. The half concluded with Santos maintaining their 1-0 lead, despite a flurry of attempts from both sides, including a saved shot from Theo just before the break.
The second half saw Santos Sports strike back, scoring their first goal in the 25th minute, which momentarily shifted the momentum. However, Bobby quickly restored Santos' lead in the 28th minute, finding the net before Theo's attempts were thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper.
Bobby was again involved shortly after, assisting Max for his second goal of the match in the 34th minute, further extending Santos' lead. The relentless pressure from Santos continued, and Max completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute, scoring a stunning long-range effort after receiving a pass from Theo.
As the match drew to a close, Max added another goal to his tally in the 39th minute, with a brilliant strike from outside the box, assisted by Albi, who had launched a long pass to set him up. The final whistle blew with Beechwood Santos comfortably ahead at 7-2, a testament to their attacking flair and teamwork.
Max's outstanding performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, as he not only scored four goals but also consistently troubled the Santos Sports defence throughout the encounter. The victory solidified Beechwood Santos' position in the league, showcasing their potential as a formidable side this season.
