East Grinstead Town faced off against Seagulls U14 at Edenbridge RFC on 26 January 2025, in a gripping league home match that ended with a scoreline of 2-4 in favour of the visitors. The match kicked off at 10:00 am, and despite a spirited performance from East Grinstead, they were unable to secure the victory.
East Grinstead Town lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Charlie Walton took his place in goal, with a back four consisting of Mason Terry on the right, Tommy Clarabut on the left, and the central defensive partnership of Tyler Pickering and Bobby Lindsay. In midfield, Dexter Sudbury and Logan Cooney operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking play and providing support to the attacking trio. Toby Broughton played on the right, Mason Malone on the left, and Harry Goodall was positioned centrally as the attacking midfielder, with Haydon Davis leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Conor O'Sullivan, Tom Piper, and Max Dodson.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage, but it was East Grinstead who struck first. In the 20th minute, Harry Goodall found the back of the net with a well-placed header, assisted by a precise cross from Haydon Davis. This early goal ignited the home crowd, who were hopeful for a strong performance from their side.
However, the Seagulls responded swiftly, equalising in the 30th minute with a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, leaving Walton with little chance to react. The momentum shifted, and East Grinstead found themselves under pressure as the visitors began to assert their dominance.
In a tactical move, East Grinstead made three substitutions in the 35th minute, bringing on Conor O'Sullivan for Logan Cooney, Tom Piper for Mason Malone, and Max Dodson for Haydon Davis. These changes were aimed at reinvigorating the team as they headed into half-time, which arrived shortly thereafter with the score level at 1-1.
The second half saw the Seagulls take control, and they took the lead in the 55th minute with a direct free-kick that curled into the net, showcasing their attacking prowess. Just five minutes later, they extended their lead to 3-1, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble that left the East Grinstead defence scrambling to clear.
In the 60th minute, East Grinstead made another substitution, introducing Haydon Davis back into the fray, replacing Dexter Sudbury in a bid to bolster their attacking options. However, the Seagulls continued to press, and in the 64th minute, they scored again with a lob from outside the box, further extending their lead to 4-1.
Despite the daunting scoreline, East Grinstead refused to give in. In the 68th minute, they were awarded a penalty, which Toby Broughton confidently converted with a right-footed strike, bringing the score to 4-2. This goal reignited hopes among the home supporters, but time was running out for a comeback.
As the match drew to a close, East Grinstead pushed forward in search of another goal, but the Seagulls held firm, demonstrating their defensive resilience. The final whistle blew, confirming a 4-2 victory for Seagulls U14, leaving East Grinstead Town to reflect on a match filled with both promise and disappointment.
