Billing United faced off against Crick Colts U11 White in an exhilarating cup match at Great Billing Pocket Park on 26 October 2024, kicking off at 10:30 am. The home side emerged victorious with a resounding scoreline of 11-3, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid teamwork throughout the encounter.
Billing United adopted a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a strong defensive line while providing ample support for their forwards. Leighton Fletcher took his place in goal, shielded by a trio of defenders: Gerrard Afum Tutu on the right, Damaree Alexander in the centre, and Oscar Nawrocki on the left. The midfield was anchored by Logan Lynch and Jermel Williams, who were tasked with both defensive duties and linking play to the attackers. Up front, the dynamic trio of Justin Juszynski on the right, Oscar Luck as the central striker, and Layton Dewar on the left were expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for Billing United included Cohen Adams and Riley Abbott, who would later play pivotal roles in the match as the game progressed.
The match got off to a blistering start, with Jermel Williams opening the scoring just one minute in, assisted by Layton Dewar. This early goal set the tone for a dominant performance from Billing United. Just three minutes later, Justin Juszynski doubled the lead, converting a chance created by Oscar Luck.
Billing United continued to apply pressure, and in the eighth minute, Oscar Luck found the back of the net, courtesy of an assist from Oscar Nawrocki. Luck was not done yet; he added another goal in the twelfth minute, this time assisted by Juszynski, putting Billing United firmly in control.
The first substitution came in the sixteenth minute when Cohen Adams replaced Jermel Williams, but the momentum remained with the home side. Layton Dewar scored the fifth goal shortly after, receiving an assist from Luck in the seventeenth minute. Luck then showcased his set-piece prowess by scoring a direct free-kick in the eighteenth minute, extending the lead to 6-0.
Leighton Fletcher, the Billing United goalkeeper, made a crucial save in the twenty-third minute, maintaining the clean sheet as the first half drew to a close. The referee blew for half-time with the score at 6-0, leaving Crick Colts with a mountain to climb.
As the second half commenced, Riley Abbott replaced Logan Lynch, and Crick Colts managed to find some form, scoring their first goal in the thirty-third minute. However, Billing United responded swiftly, with Oscar Luck scoring his fourth goal of the match in the thirty-seventh minute, assisted once again by Nawrocki.
Justin Juszynski joined the scoring spree in the fortieth minute, netting a goal with the help of Gerrard Afum Tutu. Layton Dewar then added his second goal of the match in the forty-third minute, assisted by Luck, further extending the lead to 9-1.
In the forty-fifth minute, Jermel Williams returned to the pitch, replacing Cohen Adams, and quickly made an impact. Just three minutes later, he scored his second goal of the match, assisted by Juszynski. The score now stood at 10-1.
Despite the onslaught, Crick Colts managed to score twice in quick succession, first in the fifty-first minute and then from the penalty spot in the fifty-fifth minute, bringing the score to 10-3. However, Billing United were not finished yet, as Oscar Luck completed his hat-trick in the forty-eighth minute, assisted by Jermel Williams, sealing the match at 11-3.
The game showcased Billing United's attacking flair and teamwork, with Justin Juszynski earning the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding performance. The victory not only secured their place in the next round of the cup but also highlighted their potential as a formidable force in the competition.
