Ipswich Wanderers EJA U15s triumphed over Leiston FC U15 EJA in a pulsating league clash at Leiston FC on 13 October 2024, securing a 3-2 victory after a hard-fought battle. The match, which kicked off at 12:30pm, showcased a blend of skill, determination, and tactical nous from both sides, but it was the Wanderers who emerged victorious.
Ipswich Wanderers adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Oliver Grejtak took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Ethan Ghirawoo on the right, Jake Schreurs on the left, and the central defensive pairing of Alfie Smith and Ryan Ridgeon. In midfield, Robson Sheldrake and Lorenzo Palladino operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and facilitating attacks. Ahead of them, Oscar Barber and Matthew Sears occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Ross Coupe played centrally behind striker Malachi Hixson, who was the focal point of the attack.
The substitutes for Ipswich included Ollie Talbot, Will Gower, Charlie Peck, Lewis Barwick, and Daniel Chapman, who were all poised to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The opening goal came from Malachi Hixson in the 18th minute, as he found the net with a well-placed shot, giving Ipswich an early lead. However, the lead was short-lived as Leiston FC responded swiftly, equalising just seven minutes later. The Wanderers made a series of substitutions to maintain their momentum, with Ollie Talbot replacing Lorenzo Palladino in the 20th minute, followed by Will Gower coming on for Ross Coupe just two minutes later.
As the first half progressed, Ipswich continued to press, but Leiston FC's equaliser in the 25th minute shifted the momentum. Ipswich made further changes, with Charlie Peck and Lewis Barwick entering the fray for Oscar Barber and Matthew Sears respectively, as they sought to regain control of the match. In the 35th minute, Malachi Hixson was substituted for Daniel Chapman, as the Wanderers looked to refresh their attacking options.
The first half concluded with the score level at 1-1, but the second half began with Leiston FC striking again, scoring just a minute after the restart to take a 2-1 lead. Ipswich, undeterred by the setback, made tactical adjustments, bringing Lorenzo Palladino back on for Ollie Talbot in the 60th minute, followed by Ross Coupe re-entering the game for Will Gower shortly thereafter.
As the match entered its final stages, Ipswich's persistence paid off. In the 71st minute, Oscar Barber scored an equaliser, assisted by Alfie Smith, bringing the score to 2-2. The Wanderers were not finished yet; Malachi Hixson rejoined the action in the 70th minute, replacing Daniel Chapman, and just seven minutes later, he scored again, this time with another assist from Alfie Smith, putting Ipswich ahead 3-2.
The final whistle blew, confirming Ipswich Wanderers' hard-fought victory over Leiston FC. The match was a testament to the Wanderers' resilience and attacking prowess, with Hixson's brace and Barber's crucial goal sealing the win in a thrilling encounter.
