In a pulsating encounter at Burnage Academy For Boys on 22 March 2025, the Boothstown Bears U7’s edged out the North Manchester Lions Blues with a final score of 7-5 in a thrilling cup match. The game kicked off at 10:00 am and showcased a remarkable display of skill and determination from both sides, culminating in a hard-fought victory for the Bears.
The Boothstown Bears lined up in a 2-2 formation, with two players stationed at the back and two in attack. Elijah Underdown between the posts, Fraser Mulcahy and Brooklyn Williams formed a solid defensive partnership, while Thomas Killeen and Albie Chambers spearheaded the attack. Chambers and Killeen were expected to provide creativity and goal-scoring prowess, while the defenders were tasked with maintaining a strong defensive line against the Lions' offensive threats. The substitutes for the Bears included Ellis Cooper, Alex Carr, and Bobby Swift, ready to make an impact from the bench.
The match began with an explosive start, as Thomas Killeen opened the scoring just four minutes in, assisted by Fraser Mulcahy. Killeen quickly doubled his tally in the sixth minute, this time receiving a well-placed long ball from the Beats keeper Elijah Underdown. The Bears were in full control, and Killeen completed his hat-trick in the eighth minute, courtesy of an assist from Albie Chambers, putting the Bears ahead 3-0.
Following this the Bears made a series of substitutions, bringing on Ellis Cooper, Alex Carr, and Bobby Swift in the ninth minute, which saw Killeen, Brooklyn Williams, and Albie Chambers make way.
The Lions responded with their first goal in the 14th minute, but the Bears quickly restored their three-goal cushion when Ellis Cooper found the net, assisted by Mulcahy.
As the match progressed, the Lions began to find their rhythm, scoring four consecutive goals between the 14th and 25th minutes, turning the tide and bringing the score to 5-4 in their favour.
The Bears, however, were not to be outdone. After a brief half-time break, they made further substitutions, reintroducing Killeen, Chambers, and Carr to the fray.
The second half saw the Bears regain their composure, and in the 47th minute, Ellis Cooper struck again from a free kick, levelling the score at 5-5. Just a minute later, Killeen netted his fourth goal with an outrageously cheeky flick outsmarting the Lions keeper. Mulcahy yet again assisting to make it a hat-trick of assists in the game so far. This putting the Bears back in the lead with 2 minutes to go. The final nail in the Lions' coffin came in the 50th minute when Cooper scored his third goal, again assisted by Mulcahy, sealing a remarkable 7-5 victory for the Boothstown Bears.
This thrilling encounter showcased the resilience and skill of the Boothstown Bears, with standout performances from Elijah Underdown, Fraser Mulcahy, and Thomas Killeen, who were all instrumental in securing the win. The Bears will undoubtedly take great confidence from this victory as they progress in the cup competition.
