The Hashtag United U14 Blues faced off against Heybridge Swifts Youth U14 Swifts in a thrilling cup match at Heybridge Swifts Football Club on 29th September 2024. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after normal time, but the Blues triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 4-1 to secure their place in the next round.
Playing in a 4-4-2 formation, the Hashtag United U14 Blues lined up with Lewis Clements in goal. The back four consisted of Emir Gundaz as the right defender, Bobby Armstrong and Phuc Doan as central defenders, and Ben Edmonds as the left defender. In midfield, Alfie Skipp occupied the right side, with Jack Harbourne and George Carey in central roles, while Leo Laing took up the left midfield position. Up front, Jakson O'Brien and William Savage were stationed as the right and left forwards, respectively.
The substitutes for the Blues included Rhys Hayes, Camille Harris-Senghor, and George Alder, all of whom would play important roles later in the match.
The opening exchanges were characterised by a cautious approach from both teams, with neither side managing to create clear-cut chances in the early stages. However, the first significant change came in the 20th minute when Rhys Hayes replaced Leo Laing, and Camille Harris-Senghor came on for Jakson O'Brien, indicating a tactical shift for the Blues. Shortly after, in the 26th minute, George Alder was brought on for Emir Gundaz, further adjusting the formation.
The breakthrough for Hashtag United came in the 31st minute when Rhys Hayes scored, assisted by George Carey. This goal ignited the Blues, who began to dominate possession and create more opportunities as they looked to extend their lead.
Just before half-time, in the 35th minute, Alfie Skipp was substituted off for Emir Gundaz, which saw the team reshuffle slightly but maintain their attacking intent. The first half ended with the Blues holding a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw a flurry of activity as the Blues made their intentions clear. In the 49th minute, Jakson O'Brien returned to the fray, replacing Camille Harris-Senghor, and Leo Laing came back on for Ben Edmonds. However, the tide turned quickly when the Heybridge Swifts equalised in the 51st minute, followed by another goal just three minutes later in the 54th minute, giving the Swifts a surprising 2-1 advantage.
Responding to the sudden shift in momentum, the Blues brought back Alfie Skipp in the 55th minute, substituting him for Emir Gundaz. The introduction of Skipp proved pivotal as he assisted William Savage, who equalised for the Blues in the 61st minute, making it 2-2.
With both teams pushing for a winner, the tension mounted, and the final substitutions saw Ben Edmonds replace Bobby Armstrong in the 68th minute as the Blues sought to solidify their defence whilst still pushing forward for the decisive goal.
Ultimately, neither team could find a winner in regular time, leading to a penalty shootout. The Hashtag United U14 Blues showcased their composure and skill, converting four penalties to Heybridge Swifts' one, thereby clinching a hard-fought victory and progression in the cup competition.
