In a thrilling cup encounter at the Eden Boys Leadership Academy Birmingham East, C C C U14 Greens emerged victorious against Dream Chaser Youth U14 with a scoreline of 2-1. The match, held on 15 September 2024, kicked off at 11:00 AM and showcased a competitive spirit from both teams, but it was the Greens who secured their place in the next round of the cup.
C C C U14 Greens lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, featuring Keogh in goal, with Rylee, Reggie, James, and Dom forming the defensive line. The midfield trio consisted of Maison, Shay, and Andreas, while Vinnie and Harley supported lone striker Preston in attack. The substitutes available for the Greens included Reme, Freya, Judson, and Maison, who were poised to make an impact from the bench.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams probing for openings. C C C U14 Greens took the lead early on when Harley found the back of the net, scoring from a distance of approximately 142 yards. This goal, which came around the 11-minute mark, was a significant boost for the Greens, who displayed confidence and composure in their play. Vinnie was particularly active in the attacking third, making several attempts to extend the lead, but the Dream Chaser defence held firm.
As the half progressed, Dream Chaser Youth U14 began to find their rhythm, creating a few chances of their own. However, the Greens' defence, marshalled by James and Dom, remained resolute, ensuring that Keogh was not overly tested in goal. The first half concluded with C C C U14 Greens leading 1-0, a scoreline that reflected their early dominance.
The second half saw Dream Chaser Youth U14 come out with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off when they equalised in the 56th minute, scoring a goal that shifted the momentum of the match. The Greens were momentarily rattled, but they quickly regrouped and began to assert themselves once more.
In a pivotal moment of the match, Andreas restored the Greens' lead just six minutes later, scoring with an assist from Harley. This goal, which came in the 62nd minute, was crucial as it not only put C C C U14 Greens back in front but also showcased their attacking prowess and ability to respond under pressure.
As the match drew to a close, both teams made substitutions to freshen up their line-ups. Reme replaced Vinnie, while Freya came on for Maison, and Judson was substituted for Shay. The tactical changes aimed to maintain the intensity and control of the game. Vinnie, who had been lively throughout, returned to the pitch later in the match, replacing Preston.
Despite a late surge from Dream Chaser Youth U14, C C C U14 Greens held firm, demonstrating their defensive resilience and tactical discipline. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the Greens, who celebrated their progression in the cup competition.
Vinnie was recognised as the player of the match for his impactful performance, contributing significantly to the team's attacking efforts. The victory not only boosts the Greens' confidence but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season as they look to build on this success in future fixtures.
