In an exhilarating league encounter at Catshill Middle School on 25 January 2025, Catshill FC U-11s emerged victorious against Warndon Villages Youth U11 Vipers, clinching a 5-3 win. The match, which kicked off at 10:00 am, showcased a thrilling display of attacking football and resilience from both sides.
Catshill FC lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Ethan Cahill took his position in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Harry Humphries in the centre, flanked by Arthur Sowden on the right and Seb Taylor on the left. The midfield quartet featured Stanley Kimberley and Mason Gormley on the right and left respectively, with Logan Stokes and Charlie Andrews operating centrally. Up front, Luca Toole was tasked with leading the line as the striker.
The bench included Harry Smith, Freddie Harris, Seth Keane-Hawkes, Archie Fleming-Gray, and Lucas Higgs, providing ample options for tactical adjustments as the match unfolded.
The match began with an early attempt from Stanley Kimberley in the sixth minute, but his effort was saved, signalling Catshill's attacking intent. Just five minutes later, Luca Toole opened the scoring, finding the net from inside the box in the 11th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Charlie Andrews doubled the lead shortly after, unleashing a stunning strike from outside the box in the 14th minute, only for Warndon to respond immediately with a goal of their own. The visitors continued to press and found the back of the net again in the 22nd minute, taking a surprising 2-2 draw against the run of play.
However, Catshill's resilience shone through as Luca Toole struck again in the 25th minute, converting from inside the box with an assist from a Mason Gormley corner. Just a minute later, Gormley himself added to the tally with a spectacular long-range effort straight into the top corner, making it 4-2.
Despite their dominance, Catshill faced a setback as Warndon managed to score again in the 29th minute, narrowing the deficit to 4-3 before the half-time whistle blew.
The second half commenced with tactical substitutions for Catshill, bringing on Freddie Harris and Harry Smith for Stanley Kimberley and Ethan Cahill respectively. Harry Humphries showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial clearance in the 31st minute, preventing a potential equaliser.
Luca Toole continued to threaten, but his shot in the 32nd minute went wide. As the game progressed, Catshill made further changes, introducing Seth Keane-Hawkes for Arthur Sowden in the 36th minute. Toole then converted a penalty in the 36th minute, extending Catshill's lead to 5-3.
In the second half, Freddie Harris had a chance in the 44th minute but shot high, while Harry Humphries again proved vital in defence with a well-timed tackle just before the 45-minute mark. Luca Toole's efforts were thwarted once more in the 46th minute as his shot was saved, leading to a tactical substitution as Archie Fleming-Gray replaced him in the 49th minute. Lucas Higgs also came on for Charlie Andrews as Catshill continued to push for more goals. Logan Stokes had a chance in the 52nd minute but missed the target, and Mason Gormley’s effort in the 56th minute was also saved. Harry Humphries concluded the match with a defensive clearance in the 58th minute, ensuring Catshill held onto their lead until the final whistle.
The match ended with Catshill FC U-11s celebrating a hard-fought 5-3 victory, with Harry Humphries earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his commanding performance in defence. This result not only boosts Catshill's league standing but also highlights their attacking prowess and determination as they continue their campaign.
