In a commanding display, Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites faced off against Canvey Island Youth U14 Reds at Waterside Farm on 19 January 2025, kicking off at 9:30 am. The match concluded with a staggering scoreline of 10-0, showcasing the Whites' dominance throughout the encounter.
Bowers & Pitsea adopted a 3-4-3 formation, with Rhys Hughes stationed in goal. The defensive trio comprised Oliver Norton on the right, Marcus Stanbury centrally, and Sebastian Cenciu on the left. The midfield was anchored by Cory Jennings and Jack McCullim centrally, flanked by Oliver Wakeling on the right and Luca Cepoi on the left. Up front, Mattie Bristow and Lewis Baber operated as right and left forwards respectively, supporting striker Benjamine Smith.
The substitutes for the match were Harry Fairchild and James Holgate, who would later play pivotal roles as the game progressed.
The scoring began early, with Benjamine Smith finding the net just five minutes in, converting a chance inside the box to set the tone for the match. Shortly after, in the ninth minute, Lewis Baber doubled the lead, finishing from close range after receiving a short pass from Smith.
As the game unfolded, Bowers & Pitsea's goalkeeper, Rhys Hughes, showcased his skills with a full-stretch save in the 13th minute, denying Canvey Island a potential goal. However, it was the Whites who continued to dominate, and in the 14th minute, Sebastian Cenciu headed home from a corner delivered by Cory Jennings, extending the lead to three goals.
The relentless pressure from Bowers & Pitsea paid off again in the 21st minute when Mattie Bristow scored a stunning goal from outside the area, courtesy of a long pass from Lewis Baber. The Whites were in full control, and shortly thereafter, Oliver Wakeling added to the tally in the 26th minute, firing in after a well-placed assist from Bristow.
An unfortunate own goal from a Canvey Island player in the 31st minute further compounded their woes, making it 6-0 before half-time. The first half concluded with the scoreline heavily favouring Bowers & Pitsea, who had displayed an impressive attacking prowess.
After the break, Lewis Baber continued his fine form, scoring again in the 46th minute with a left-footed finish inside the box, assisted by Cory Jennings. Just moments later, a substitution was made as James Holgate replaced the injured Mattie Bristow.
The scoring continued in the 53rd minute when Cory Jennings scored a close-range tap-in, following another corner, this time assisted by Luca Cepoi. The relentless assault on the Canvey Island goal showed no signs of abating, and in the 62nd minute, James Holgate marked his introduction with a header from a corner, again delivered by Jennings, bringing the score to 9-0.
As the match drew to a close, Oliver Wakeling capped off the scoring in the 70th minute with a simple tap-in, sealing a remarkable 10-0 victory for Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites. The referee, Simon Brickwood, officiated the match with commendable authority, contributing to a well-managed game.
The standout performers for Bowers & Pitsea were undoubtedly Cory Jennings and Oliver Norton, who both played crucial roles in the team's emphatic win. This match will be remembered as a testament to the Whites' attacking flair and defensive solidity, leaving Canvey Island Youth with much to ponder as they regroup for future challenges.
