The Callowbrook Swifts U14s faced off against Wilden Village Youth U14 in a gripping league encounter at Wilden Top on 30 November 2024. The match, which kicked off at 11:15 am, ended with a narrow victory for the Swifts, who triumphed 4-3 in a game that showcased both teams' attacking prowess and defensive frailties.
The Swifts lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical choice designed to maximise width and pressing. Josh Calcutt took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jack Taylor on the right, Finley Biddle and Charlie Wheeler in central defence, and Riley Cook on the left. The midfield trio featured Jacob Kennedy on the right, Bobby Davies centrally, and Oscar Sinton on the left, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Up front, Larenz Hyman and Maison Kelly flanked striker Callum Young, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The bench included Xavien Cowan-Obodo and Daniel Owen, who would later play pivotal roles in the match's outcome.
The match began with an early attempt from Bobby Davies, whose shot was saved just a minute in, setting the tone for an action-packed game. Maison Kelly opened the scoring for the Swifts in the third minute with a close-range tap-in, giving the visitors a dream start. Jacob Kennedy then created a chance with a key pass in the ninth minute, showcasing the Swifts' attacking intent.
Bobby Davies continued to be influential, delivering a slide rule pass in the twelfth minute, followed by an attempt from Larenz Hyman that was also saved. Davies was again involved in the 15th minute, providing another key pass that created a chance, but the Swifts were unable to capitalise.
A moment of concern arose in the 19th minute when goalkeeper Josh Calcutt made a mistake due to poor concentration, although it did not lead to a goal. This was followed by another lapse from Charlie Wheeler in the 22nd minute, but Calcutt redeemed himself shortly after with an interception and a full-stretch save, keeping the Swifts ahead.
As the first half progressed, Bobby Davies had another attempt that went wide in the 25th minute, while Jack Taylor's long pass in the 31st minute created a chance for Callum Young. Just a minute later, Young assisted Maison Kelly with a well-placed cross, allowing Kelly to score his second goal of the match, this time from a team move.
Defensively, Oscar Sinton made a crucial tackle in the 34th minute, preventing a potential equaliser. However, as the half drew to a close, the Swifts were unable to maintain their lead, and the half-time whistle blew with the score at 2-0 in favour of Callowbrook.
The second half began with a substitution as Xavien Cowan-Obodo replaced Oscar Sinton. The Swifts' defence was tested early on, with Riley Cook making a vital tackle in the 36th minute to prevent a chance. Xavien Cowan-Obodo quickly made an impact, providing a slide rule pass that created a chance in the 39th minute.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the 40th minute when Wilden Village Youth scored their first goal, followed by another in the 43rd minute, bringing the score to 2-2. The Swifts were rattled, and a misjudgement from Calcutt in the 60th minute led to a defensive mistake that allowed Wilden to take the lead at 3-2.
In response, Xavien Cowan-Obodo equalised for the Swifts just a minute later, scoring from inside the box and reigniting the visitors' hopes. The match continued to ebb and flow, with Daniel Owen coming on for Riley Cook in the 59th minute to bolster the midfield.
As the game approached its climax, Bobby Davies made a key pass in the 70th minute, setting up a chance for Oscar Sinton, whose attempt was saved. Maison Kelly then came close to scoring again, hitting the post in the 72nd minute, but he would not be denied. In the 77th minute, Kelly scored a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, completing his hat-trick and sealing a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Swifts.
Maison Kelly's standout performance earned him the title of Player of the Match, as he not only scored three goals but also demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the encounter. The Swifts will take great confidence from this hard-fought win as they continue their league campaign.
