East Grinstead Town faced off against Eastbourne Town Youth U14 Blue in a tightly contested league match at Edenbridge RFC on 30 March 2025, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The kick-off was at 10:00 am, and the match showcased the resilience of both teams as they battled for supremacy on the pitch.
East Grinstead Town lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking fluidity. Josh Goody took his place in goal, with a back four comprising Mason Terry on the right, Charlie Walton and Sam Gadd in central defence, and Tommy Clarabut on the left. Logan Cooney operated as a defensive midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and distributing the ball effectively. Ahead of him, the midfield quartet featured Max Dodson on the right, Harry Goodall in the central attacking role, Toby Broughton on the left, and Mason Malone supporting the lone striker, Tom Piper.
The substitutes for East Grinstead Town included Tim Greenyner, who would later make an impact on the match following an injury to one of the starters.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Eastbourne Town Youth who struck first. In the 18th minute, they capitalised on a defensive lapse, scoring a close-range tap-in that put East Grinstead Town on the back foot. The goal served as a wake-up call for the home side, who needed to regroup quickly.
East Grinstead Town responded positively, and their efforts bore fruit in the 28th minute. Harry Goodall found the back of the net with a well-placed shot inside the box, following a long pass from goalkeeper Josh Goody. This equaliser not only lifted the spirits of the team but also showcased the importance of effective communication and teamwork.
However, the match took a turn just two minutes later when Max Dodson had to be substituted due to injury, with Tim Greenyner coming on to replace him. This change required East Grinstead Town to adjust their tactics slightly, but they maintained their attacking intent.
As the first half drew to a close, the referee, Keith Ferguson, signalled for half-time at the 35-minute mark, leaving the teams level at 1-1. Both sides had shown flashes of brilliance, but the second half promised to be a test of endurance and tactical nous as they sought to secure a crucial win in the league.
The second half saw both teams continuing to push for the decisive goal, but despite several attempts, neither side could find the breakthrough. East Grinstead Town's defence held firm, with Gadd and Walton providing a solid barrier against Eastbourne's attacks.
As the match progressed, the intensity increased, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. The final whistle eventually blew, confirming the 1-1 draw, a result that reflected the competitive nature of the match and the determination of both sides.
In the end, East Grinstead Town will take heart from their performance, particularly the way they responded to going behind. The draw keeps them in contention in the league, while Eastbourne Town Youth will also feel they have earned a valuable point from a challenging away fixture.
