In a challenging cup away match at Stourbridge Rugby Club on 11 January 2025, Catshill FC U-11s faced a formidable Tika Taka Soccer School U11 side, succumbing to an 8-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and despite a promising start, Catshill struggled to contain their opponents throughout the game.
Catshill FC lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, with Ethan Cahill in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Seb Taylor, Harry Smith, and Arthur Sowden. The midfield was anchored by Tommy Bliss in the centre, flanked by Charlie Andrews on the right and Logan Stokes on the left. Up front, Luca Toole and Archie Fleming-Gray were tasked with leading the attack. This setup aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing the midfielders to support the forwards in transition.
The substitutes for Catshill included Harry Humphries, Charlie Robinson, Seth Keane-Hawkes, and Lucas Higgs, who would be called upon to inject fresh energy into the team as the match progressed.
The match began with an early flourish from Catshill, as Luca Toole found the net just three minutes in, assisted by Logan Stokes. This goal gave Catshill a brief lead, igniting hopes of a competitive outing. However, Tika Taka quickly responded, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
By the eighth minute, Ethan Cahill was called into action, making a crucial save to keep Catshill in the game. Logan Stokes showcased his defensive skills with a well-timed tackle in the 14th minute, preventing a clear chance for the opponents. Despite these efforts, Catshill struggled to maintain their early momentum.
Luca Toole continued to be a threat, attempting a shot that went wide in the 18th minute, followed by another effort from the penalty spot that was saved in the 21st minute. However, Tika Taka's relentless pressure paid off in the 27th minute when they equalised, and just two minutes later, they took the lead with another goal.
As the first half drew to a close, Harry Humphries replaced Harry Smith but couldn't prevent Tiki Taka from scoring again in the 30th minute, leaving Catshill trailing 3-1 at half-time. The second half saw immediate changes, with Harry Smith replacing Seb Taylor and Charlie Robinson coming on for Archie Fleming-Gray.
However, Tika Taka continued to dominate, scoring their fourth goal in the 35th minute. Seth Keane-Hawkes replaced Harry Smith in the 38th minute due to injury. Catshill's attempts to respond included a saved effort from Charlie Andrews in the 43rd minute, but the tide was firmly against them. Further substitutions were made, with Harry Smith returning again to replace Logan Stokes, and Lucas Higgs coming on for Charlie Robinson.
Despite Catshill's efforts, Tika Taka added to their tally with goals in the 50th, 56th, and 58th minutes, showcasing their clinical finishing and tactical superiority. The final blow came in the 61st minute, as Tika Taka scored their eighth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The match highlighted the challenges faced by Catshill FC U-11s against a well-organised and potent Tika Taka side. While the early goal provided a glimmer of hope, the team will need to regroup and learn from this experience as they prepare for their next fixture.
