East Grinstead Town faced off against Three Bridges Youth U14 Youth in a league away match at the Three Bridges FC on 23 March 2025, kicking off at 10:00 am. The match concluded with a convincing 4-1 victory for East Grinstead Town, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the game.
East Grinstead Town adopted a 4-1-4-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Josh Goody stood guard in goal, with a back four comprising Tim Greenyner on the right, Adam Bannister and Bobby Lindsay as central defenders, and Tommy Clarabut on the left. Tyler Pickering played a pivotal role as the central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The midfield was bolstered by Max Dodson and Mason Malone on the right and left flanks respectively, while Conor O'Sullivan and Harry Goodall operated centrally behind striker Haydon Davis, who was the focal point of their attacking efforts.
The substitutes for East Grinstead Town included Tom Piper, Dexter Sudbury, and Sam Gadd, all of whom would play crucial roles as the match progressed.
The opening goal came early in the match, just seven minutes in, when Haydon Davis found the net with a close-range finish after a precise cross from Max Dodson. This early strike set the tone for East Grinstead Town, who looked to dominate the game.
However, Three Bridges Youth responded in the 26th minute, equalising through a goalmouth scramble that saw the ball bundled over the line, much to the delight of their supporters. The match was now finely poised at 1-1, but East Grinstead Town quickly regained their composure.
In the 33rd minute, Mason Malone restored East Grinstead's lead by converting a penalty, following a foul in the box. The goal was set up by Adam Bannister, who played a crucial role in winning the penalty. Shortly after, tactical changes were made as Tom Piper replaced Malone, Dexter Sudbury came on for Haydon Davis, and Sam Gadd took over from Tim Greenyner, all occurring in the 35th minute.
As the first half drew to a close, East Grinstead Town held a 2-1 advantage, and the players headed into the break with renewed determination.
The second half began with East Grinstead Town looking to extend their lead, and they did just that in the 55th minute. Tom Piper, who had only just come on, scored with a left-footed effort following another scramble in the box, making it 3-1.
Further substitutions were made shortly after, with Mason Malone returning to the pitch for Tommy Clarabut due to injury, and Tim Greenyner coming on for Bobby Lindsay in the 58th minute, as East Grinstead Town sought to maintain their momentum.
In the 60th minute, Max Dodson added to the scoreline by converting another penalty, this time after he himself was fouled in the area. His right-footed shot left the goalkeeper with no chance, bringing the score to 4-1.
The final substitution saw Haydon Davis re-enter the fray, replacing Harry Goodall in the 60th minute, as East Grinstead Town looked to manage the game and secure their impressive victory.
As the match concluded, East Grinstead Town celebrated a well-deserved 4-1 win, with Max Dodson earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, which included a goal and an assist. The team demonstrated both skill and tactical awareness, leaving Three Bridges Youth with much to ponder as they regroup for their next fixture.
