In a challenging league encounter at Hymers College on 6th October 2024, Malet Vikings U16 faced a daunting task against Costello Wildcats, ultimately succumbing to a heavy 7-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the Vikings struggled to contain their opponents throughout the 80 minutes of play.
The Vikings lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing for quick transitions to attack. Linden Maughan took his place in goal, shielded by a back five consisting of Dan Young and Ronnie Fuller as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Toby Rowe, Alfie Jackman, and Axel Nicholson forming the central defensive trio. In midfield, Ethan Pickering and Alex Ward operated on the right and left flanks, while Tommy Anson and Will Schrimshaw occupied central roles. Giulio Clemenza was the lone striker, tasked with leading the line and converting any chances that came his way.
The substitutes for the match included Eliot Wilberforce, Logan Pashley, and Martins M, who were poised to make an impact from the bench as the game progressed.
The match began with a flurry of activity, and it was the Costello Wildcats who struck first, scoring a volley with a right foot from close range in the 10th minute. Just four minutes later, the Wildcats doubled their lead with a stunning solo goal, again executed with the right foot. The Vikings found themselves in a difficult position as the Wildcats continued to dominate, adding a third goal in the 23rd minute, once more with a right-footed effort.
In an attempt to regain control, the Vikings made a tactical substitution in the 34th minute, bringing on Eliot Wilberforce for Ronnie Fuller. Shortly after, in the 35th minute, Logan Pashley replaced Alex Ward, and Martins M came on for Dan Young, all aimed at shifting the momentum in favour of the Vikings. Just before half-time, in the 40th minute, Alex Ward returned to the pitch, taking the place of Alfie Jackman.
As the teams returned for the second half, the Wildcats wasted no time in extending their lead, scoring a header just one minute after the restart. The Vikings attempted to respond, with Alex Ward making an effort in the 45th minute, but his shot went high and wide.
In the 46th minute, disaster struck for the Vikings as they conceded an own goal, further compounding their woes. However, a glimmer of hope appeared in the 50th minute when Alex Ward scored a direct free kick from outside the box, giving the Vikings their only goal of the match.
Linden Maughan showcased his goalkeeping skills with a crucial penalty save in the 53rd minute, preventing the Wildcats from adding to their tally. He continued to impress with a dive at the feet of an attacker in the 64th minute, demonstrating his determination to keep the scoreline respectable.
Despite Maughan's efforts, the Wildcats scored their fifth goal in the 69th minute through a well-executed team move, followed by a sixth goal in the 73rd minute, again showcasing their attacking prowess. The match concluded with a disappointing scoreline for the Vikings, who will need to regroup and reflect on their performance as they look ahead to future fixtures.
