In a commanding display at the Jim Fowlers Memorial Ground on 9th February 2025, Euxton Villa U15 Black secured a resounding 4-1 victory against Fulwood Amateur U15 Greens in their cup match. The game kicked off at 2:00pm, and the hosts showcased their attacking prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure throughout the encounter.
Euxton Villa lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing ample support to their lone striker. Adam Tucker took his place in goal, with a back four comprising Alex Howarth on the right, Finlay Mann on the left, and central defenders Harley Ashton and Louis Grant. The midfield featured Lucas Harvey and Luke Whelan on the right and left flanks, respectively, with Junior Cummins and Freddie Beanland occupying central roles. Zak Whalley played just behind the striker, William Murray, who led the line with his pace and finishing ability. The substitutes for the match included Jayden Moffatt, Oliver Gardner, Roman Taylor, Colin Plewa, and Ollie Warner.
The match began with both teams probing for openings, but it was Adam Tucker who first showcased his skills, diving at the feet of an opponent in the ninth minute to deny a potential goal. Zak Whalley then attempted to break the deadlock in the 11th minute but saw his effort go wide. William Murray followed suit shortly after, sending a shot high over the bar in the 14th minute as the pressure began to mount on Fulwood's defence.
Tucker was called into action again in the 20th minute, making another crucial dive at the feet of an attacker, demonstrating his alertness. The defence was put to the test, and in the 26th minute, Tucker made a vital block, with Finlay Mann also stepping up to prevent a chance, showcasing the team's resilience. Luke Whelan had a chance to score in the 28th minute, but his shot was saved, keeping the scoreline level.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 29th minute when Zak Whalley found the net, finishing a well-placed short pass from Finlay Mann inside the box with his left foot. The goal ignited the home crowd and set the tone for the remainder of the first half. However, the joy was short-lived as Freddie Beanland had to be substituted due to injury shortly after, with Jayden Moffatt coming on in the 33rd minute.
As the first half drew to a close, Harley Ashton made a crucial clearance in the 34th minute, ensuring that Euxton Villa went into the break with their lead intact. The referee, Oliver Whitehead, blew the whistle for half-time at the 40-minute mark, with the score at 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
The second half commenced with a quick goal from William Murray, who scored in the 42nd minute with a left-footed effort following a short pass from Whalley, doubling the lead for Euxton Villa. Fulwood responded almost immediately, scoring from a set piece in the 43rd minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting their hopes.
However, Euxton Villa quickly regained control, with Murray scoring again in the 49th minute, this time heading in a cross from Luke Whelan, showcasing his aerial prowess. The home side continued to apply pressure, and in the 59th minute, Murray completed his hat-trick, scoring another header from a corner delivered by Zak Walley and flicked on by Harley Ashton, making it 4-1.
Substitutions continued to be made as Oliver Gardner replaced Jayden Moffatt in the 50th minute due to injury, followed by Roman Taylor coming on for Luke Whelan and Colin Plewa replacing Louis Grant in the 53rd minute. The changes did little to disrupt the flow of the game, with Tucker remaining a steady presence in goal.
As the match progressed, Tucker was called into action multiple times, making a series of impressive saves, including a full-stretch save in the 62nd minute and a point-blank reaction save in the 85th minute, further solidifying his status as a standout performer. Despite the relentless efforts from Fulwood, they struggled to find a way past the resolute Euxton defence.
The match concluded with Euxton Villa U15 Black emerging victorious with a 4-1 scoreline, a testament to their attacking flair and defensive solidity. Adam Tucker and William Murray were both recognised for their exceptional performances, with Tucker's goalkeeping heroics and Murray's hat-trick proving pivotal in securing the win for the home side.
