In a thrilling league encounter at the Eversley Centre on 3rd November 2024, Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Trinity Y U14 Blue. The match, which kicked off at 12:30pm, showcased a blend of skill and determination from both sides, but it was the home team that emerged victorious.
Bowers & Pitsea adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to utilise their attacking prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Rhys Hughes took his position as goalkeeper, shielded by a back three consisting of Marcus Stanbury in the centre, flanked by Oliver Norton on the right and Sebastian Cenciu on the left. The midfield was anchored by Cory Jennings and Jack McCullim in central roles, with Oliver Wakeling and Luca Cepoi providing width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Mattie Bristow and Lewis Baber operated as forwards, with Marvellous Nbubueze leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes for the match included Benjamine Smith, Logan Gardiner, Harry Fairchild, James Holgate and Stanley Martin - Gardener
The match began with an explosive start as Lewis Baber opened the scoring for Bowers & Pitsea in just the fourth minute. Receiving a long pass from Marvellous Nbubueze, Baber unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from outside the area, leaving the Trinity goalkeeper with no chance. The early goal set the tone for an energetic first half.
Just six minutes later, Baber struck again, this time capitalising on a well-placed cross from Cory Jennings. Positioned inside the box, Baber displayed excellent poise to slot the ball home, doubling Bowers & Pitsea's lead to 2-0 within the first ten minutes. The home side's attacking momentum was palpable, and they looked to extend their advantage further.
However, Trinity Y responded with determination and found a way back into the match in the 25th minute. Following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, an opportunistic strike from the visitors found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This goal injected new life into Trinity, who began to press for an equaliser.
In a tactical move, Bowers & Pitsea made their first substitution shortly after conceding, bringing on Benjamine Smith for Mattie Bristow in the 25th minute. This change aimed to bolster their midfield presence and regain control of the game. The home side continued to adapt, with further substitutions in the 35th minute as Logan Gardiner replaced Luca Cepoi and Harry Fairchild came on for Oliver Wakeling, both changes aimed at maintaining their attacking threat.
As the match progressed into the second half, Bowers & Pitsea's goalkeeper Rhys Hughes was called into action, making a full-stretch save in the 48th minute to deny Trinity an equaliser. Shortly after, Benjamine Smith attempted a shot but sent it high, showcasing the urgency of the home side to extend their lead.
In the 50th minute, Bowers & Pitsea made another tactical substitution, reintroducing Mattie Bristow in place of Marvellous Nbubueze. This move aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack. However, the match took a turn when Jack McCullim had to be substituted due to injury, with James Holgate stepping in during the 54th minute.
As the game approached its final stages, Lewis Baber had a chance to add to his tally but shot wide in the 58th minute, a reminder that the match was far from over. In a further tactical adjustment, Marvellous Nbubueze replaced Cory Jennings in the 60th minute, as Bowers & Pitsea sought to maintain their lead.
Despite a spirited effort from Trinity Y, Bowers & Pitsea held firm to secure the victory. The match concluded with a scoreline of 2-1, a testament to the home side's resilience and attacking flair. The performance of Sebastian Cenciu and Benjamine Smith stood out, earning them recognition as players of the match for their contributions to the team's success.
