In a tightly contested cup match at the Bilton Memorial Playing Fields on 26 January 2025, Malet Vikings U16 emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Bilton FC U16. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and saw both teams battle fiercely for a place in the next round of the competition, but it was the Vikings who ultimately secured the win with a late goal.
Malet Vikings set up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Linden Maughan took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Dan Young on the right, Alfie Jackman and Axel Nicholson in central defence, and Eliot Wilberforce on the left. Tommy Anson operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking midfield trio featured Will Schrimshaw on the right, Alex Ward in the central role, and Lucas Hunt on the left, while Lucas Applegate and Ronnie Fuller formed the forward partnership, looking to exploit any gaps in the Bilton defence.
The substitutes for the match included Ethan Pickering, Logan Pashley, and Louie Brookes, who would later play pivotal roles in the game.
The first half saw Malet Vikings create several opportunities, with Ronnie Fuller testing the Bilton goalkeeper early on. In the 14th minute, Fuller made a promising attempt but sent his shot high over the bar. As the Vikings pressed for an opener, Axel Nicholson showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial tackle in the 20th minute, preventing a potential chance for Bilton FC.
Tommy Anson then made a significant contribution in the 21st minute, delivering a long pass that created a chance for his teammates. Fuller again found himself in a good position just two minutes later, but his effort was once more off target.
The first tactical substitutions came in the 30th minute, with Ethan Pickering replacing Fuller and Logan Pashley coming on for Wilberforce. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the Vikings' attack and defence as they sought to break the deadlock before half-time.
As the first half concluded, the score remained 0-0, with both teams having their moments but unable to find the back of the net.
The second half began with renewed intensity, and Logan Pashley quickly made his mark by executing a vital tackle in the 48th minute, thwarting a Bilton attack. However, the match took a turn for the Vikings in the 60th minute when Alfie Jackman received a yellow card for a deliberate handball, putting him on notice for the remainder of the match.
Despite the setback, Malet Vikings continued to press forward, and in the 68th minute, Alex Ward made a key pass with a slide rule ball that opened up the Bilton defence. This set the stage for the decisive moment of the match.
In the 73rd minute, Alex Ward found himself in the right place at the right time, tapping in a close-range effort after receiving a short pass from Louie Brookes. This goal sent the Vikings' supporters into raptures and gave them the lead they had been searching for.
With the clock ticking down, Malet Vikings held firm against Bilton's attempts to equalise, showcasing their defensive resilience. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for the Vikings, who will now look forward to the next round of the cup with renewed confidence.
Eliot Wilberforce and Logan Pashley were recognised for their outstanding performances, contributing significantly to the team's success on the day.
