Footytotz’s Allstars faced off against Bury FC in a friendly match at Gigg Lane on 19 February 2025, kicking off at 5:00pm. The Allstars showcased their attacking prowess, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 13-3.
The Allstars adopted a 1-2-1 formation, with Nelson Slater in goal, supported by Albie Hardy as central defender, Cooper Jackson and Xavier Dwyer operating in central midfield and Ellis Cooper as striker. This setup allowed for a fluid transition between defence and attack, with the midfielders expected to control the game and create opportunities for the lone striker.
The substitutes for the match included Serge Atkins, Quinton Slater and Oliver Davies who had recovered from a knee injury picked up at the weekend, all of whom would later play pivotal roles in the game. Sadly the Allstars were missing their left footed wizard Jace Riley who was forced to miss the game due to a case of Chickenpox
The match commenced with an explosive start as Ellis Cooper opened the scoring just one minute in, demonstrating his intent early on. He followed this up with another goal in the fourth minute, putting the Allstars firmly in control. Just a minute later, Xavier Dwyer added to the tally, making it 3-0 within the first five minutes.
In a flurry of substitutions at the sixth minute, Oliver Davies replaced Cooper, Serge Atkins came on for Hardy, and Quinton Slater took over from Jackson. This tactical reshuffle aimed to maintain the momentum and energy of the Allstars.
By the ninth minute, Ellis Cooper was back on the pitch, replacing the injured Dwyer, and he quickly made an impact, scoring his third goal of the match in the tenth minute, assisted by Atkins. The substitutions continued as Albie Hardy returned to the fray, taking the place of Davies, while Dwyer and Jackson also re-entered the game shortly after.
In the 17th minute, Cooper struck again, this time with an assist from goalkeeper Nelson Slater, showcasing the Allstars' attacking fluidity. Following this, Cooper was substituted off for Davies, and Quinton Slater replaced Jackson, while Atkins came on for Hardy.
Oliver Davies then scored in the 20th minute, assisted by Quinton Slater, extending the lead to 6-0. However, Bury FC managed to find the net in the 21st minute, albeit through a Davies own goal, which brought the score to 6-1.
As the first half drew to a close, the Allstars continued to dominate. Xavier Dwyer scored two quick goals in the 25th minute completing his hat-trick, both assisted by Cooper, further widening the gap. Cooper Jackson added another goal shortly after, making it 9-1.
Ellis Cooper got his fifth and final goal of the game just before being substituted once again, this time for Quinton Slater, while Nelson Slater made way for Hardy. Dwyer took his tally to four in the 35th minute, showcasing his skill and determination.
Bury FC managed to score their second goal in the 41st minute, but the Allstars responded immediately. Serge Atkins netted two goals in quick succession, the first in the 43rd minute with an assist from Hardy, and the second in the 44th minute, assisted by Dwyer.
The match concluded with Bury FC scoring a final goal in the 45th minute, but it was too little, too late. The Allstars had already established a commanding lead, finishing the match with an impressive scoreline of 13-3. This friendly encounter highlighted the Allstars' attacking capabilities and set a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.
