In a commanding display at the Eversley Centre on 13 October 2024, Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites triumphed over Canvey Island Youth U14 Reds with a resounding 5-0 victory in their cup match. The match kicked off at 11:00 am, and the home side showcased their attacking prowess throughout the encounter.
Bowers & Pitsea adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to press high and maintain control in midfield. Stanley Martin-Gardener stood firm in goal, while a trio of defenders—Oliver Norton on the right, Marcus Stanbury in the centre, and Sebastian Cenciu on the left—formed a solid backline. The midfield was anchored by Cory Jennings and Jack McCullim centrally, with Oliver Wakeling on the right and Luca Cepoi on the left providing width. Up front, Lewis Baber and Mattie Bristow operated as left and right forwards respectively, supporting striker Benjamine Smith in the middle. The substitutes for the match included Marvellous Nbubueze, Rhys Hughes and James Holgate.
The scoring opened in the 19th minute when Lewis Baber found the net, converting a short pass from Jack McCullim inside the box with his left foot. This early goal set the tone for Bowers & Pitsea, who continued to press their opponents.
Just seven minutes later, in the 26th minute, Oliver Wakeling doubled the lead with a brave header from a corner delivered by Cory Jennings. The home side's confidence surged as they dominated possession and created numerous chances.
As the first half progressed, Bowers & Pitsea made a tactical substitution in the 35th minute, bringing on Marvellous Nbubueze for Benjamine Smith. The half concluded with the score at 2-0, leaving Canvey Island with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The second half commenced with Bowers & Pitsea maintaining their momentum. Just three minutes in, Lewis Baber struck again, scoring a sensational goal from outside the box with his left foot, assisted by a header from Luca Cepoi. This stunning effort in the 48th minute left the Canvey Island defence reeling.
In the 51st minute, Mattie Bristow added to the tally, scoring from close range after receiving a short pass from Cory Jennings. The home side's relentless attack showed no signs of abating.
Bristow was not finished yet; he netted his second goal in the 57th minute, converting a long pass from Marvellous Nbubueze inside the box with his right foot. This goal further emphasised Bowers & Pitsea's dominance as they led 5-0.
Bowers & Pitsea made further tactical changes, with Benjamine Smith returning to the pitch in the 60th minute, replacing Mattie Bristow. In the 65th minute, Lewis Baber made way for Bristow, who had already made a significant impact. Finally, in the 68th minute, Oliver Wakeling came on for Cory Jennings, as Bowers & Pitsea looked to manage their lead.
The match concluded with Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Canvey Island Youth U14 Reds. Mattie Bristow's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, highlighting the home side's impressive display in this cup encounter.
