Billing United U11 hosted Sporting Club Aspire U11 Vipers in a thrilling league encounter at their home ground on 21 December 2024, kicking off at 10:30 am. The match concluded with a resounding 8-2 victory for the home side, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience throughout the game.
Billing United adopted a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive line while providing ample support for their forwards. Jackson Pearce donned the gloves as goalkeeper, shielded by a back three consisting of Max Soltanici on the right, Damaree Alexander in the centre, and Gerrard Afum Tutu on the left. In midfield, Oscar Nawrocki and Jermel Williams operated centrally, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Up front, Justin Juszynski and Leighton Fletcher flanked striker Oscar Luck, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Billing United included Riley Abbott, Logan Lynch, and Cohen Adams, providing depth and options for tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
The home side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Oscar Luck opening the scoring just two minutes into the match. His early strike set the tone for what would be a remarkable performance. By the seventh minute, Luck turned provider, assisting Jermel Williams for the second goal, doubling Billing United's lead and leaving the Vipers reeling.
In the ninth minute, Jackson Pearce made a crucial point-blank reaction save, demonstrating his agility and alertness to keep the Vipers at bay. Gerrard Afum Tutu showcased his defensive skills with a well-timed tackle in the 15th minute, preventing a potential chance for the visitors.
As the match approached the halfway mark, Oscar Luck found the net again in the 20th minute, courtesy of an assist from Justin Juszynski, further extending Billing United's lead. The home side made their first substitutions shortly after, with Riley Abbott coming on for Leighton Fletcher and Logan Lynch and Cohen Adams replacing Oscar Nawrocki and Max Soltanici, respectively, in the 21st minute.
Luck continued his scoring spree, netting his fourth goal in the 25th minute, followed by a fifth just two minutes later, both assisted by Cohen Adams. The relentless pressure from Billing United was evident as they dominated possession and created numerous chances.
At the half-time whistle, the score stood at an impressive 6-0, leaving the Vipers with a mountain to climb in the second half. The second half saw further changes for Billing United, with Leighton Fletcher returning to the pitch in place of Oscar Luck, who had made a significant impact.
Just two minutes into the second half, Justin Juszynski added to the tally, scoring Billing United's seventh goal in the 47th minute. However, the Vipers managed to find a glimmer of hope, scoring their first goal in the 49th minute, briefly halting Billing United's momentum.
Oscar Nawrocki responded swiftly, restoring the seven-goal cushion with a well-taken goal in the 51st minute. Yet, the Vipers were not done, as they found the net again in the 53rd minute, showcasing their determination despite the scoreline.
In the closing stages, Gerrard Afum Tutu returned to the pitch in place of Cohen Adams, and Leighton Fletcher re-entered the fray, replacing Riley Abbott. The match concluded with Billing United securing a comprehensive 8-2 victory, a testament to their attacking flair and solid teamwork.
The standout performers of the match included Max Soltanici and Jackson Pearce, whose contributions were pivotal in both defence and goalkeeping, respectively. This emphatic win not only boosts Billing United's confidence but also highlights their potential as a formidable force in the league.
