Birtley Town Hawks triumphed in a pulsating friendly match against Gateshead FC Performance Youth U11, securing a 4-3 victory at the Gateshead International Stadium on 30 March 2025.
The match kicked off at 09:00 am and showcased a thrilling display of youth football, with both teams demonstrating skill and determination throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Birtley Town Hawks adopted a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Fletcher Tranter stood guard in goal, while a trio of defenders—Harrison Younghusband on the right, Ben Routledge in the centre, and Walter Johnson on the left—formed a solid backline. In midfield, Harry Morrison and Jack McKay operated centrally, tasked with linking play and supporting both defence and attack. Up front, Kayden Dailey and Leo Patterson occupied the flanks, providing width, while Harry Kean led the line as the central striker, expected to convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Birtley Town Hawks included Jacob Davison, Isaac Morales, and Noah Hodgson, who would later play crucial roles in the match as the game unfolded.
The match began with an explosive start, as Harry Kean opened the scoring for Birtley Town Hawks just four minutes in, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of goal. However, the early lead was not without its challenges, as Harrison Younghusband was forced off due to injury in the 17th minute, making way for Jacob Davison.
As the game progressed, Birtley continued to press forward, and in the 23rd minute, Noah Hodgson doubled their advantage with a close-range tap-in, assisted by Leo Patterson. The Hawks seemed to be in control, but Gateshead responded fiercely, pulling one back in the 26th minute with a stunning long-range strike that left Tranter with no chance. Just a minute later, the home side struck again, levelling the score with another impressive long-range effort, leaving the match finely poised at 2-2 as the half-time whistle blew.
The second half saw Birtley Town Hawks make tactical changes, with Harry Kean returning to the pitch in the 37th minute, replacing Leo Patterson. The substitutions continued as Harrison Younghusband came on for Jack McKay and Kayden Dailey replaced Harry Morrison shortly after, injecting fresh energy into the midfield.
Birtley regained their lead in the 51st minute when Kayden Dailey found the net, courtesy of an assist from Walter Johnson. Just two minutes later, Harry Kean struck again, scoring his second of the match with a well-placed shot after receiving a pass from Isaac Morales, extending the Hawks' lead to 4-2.
However, the drama was far from over. In the 56th minute, a defensive mistake allowed Gateshead to capitalise, scoring their third goal and setting up a tense finale. Despite the pressure from the home side, Birtley held firm, demonstrating resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought victory.
The match concluded with Birtley Town Hawks emerging victorious, 4-3, in a thrilling encounter that showcased the talent and potential of both teams. Harry Kean and Leo Patterson were standout performers, contributing significantly to their team's success on the day.
