In a gripping cup encounter held at Howden AFC's home ground on 13 October 2024, Malet Vikings U16 faced a challenging defeat, succumbing to a 3-0 loss against their opponents. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with both teams eager to progress in the competition, but it was Howden AFC who emerged victorious, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
Malet Vikings lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, a tactical setup designed to provide both defensive solidity and midfield control. Linden Maughan took his place in goal, while a back three comprised Lucas Hunt, Toby Rowe, and Axel Nicholson aimed to thwart Howden's attacking threats. The midfield was packed with Dan Young on the right, Lucas Applegate, Will Schrimshaw, and Alex Ward centrally, with Ronnie Fuller on the left providing width. Up front, Giulio Clemenza and Ethan Pickering were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals. The substitutes included Logan Pashley, who would later make an impact.
The match began with an early scare for Malet Vikings as Lucas Applegate was called into action just five minutes in, making a crucial clearance to alleviate pressure. However, the Vikings' defensive efforts were soon undone when Howden AFC struck first, scoring a well-crafted team goal that found the back of the net with a precise right-footed finish, leaving Maughan with little chance to respond.
Malet Vikings sought to rally after the setback, with Ronnie Fuller attempting to equalise in the 15th minute, but his effort went wide of the target. As the first half progressed, the Vikings struggled to find their rhythm, and it was Lucas Applegate again who came close to scoring, only to be denied by a sharp save from Howden's goalkeeper in the 33rd minute.
As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 1-0 in favour of Howden AFC, prompting Malet Vikings to regroup during the interval. The second half commenced with a tactical substitution as Logan Pashley replaced Ronnie Fuller, aimed at injecting fresh energy into the Vikings' midfield.
Just after the restart, Linden Maughan showcased his goalkeeping skills with a full-stretch save, ensuring the deficit remained manageable. However, the tide turned against Malet Vikings in the 57th minute when Howden capitalised on a defensive mistake, doubling their lead with another right-footed strike from long range.
The Vikings were left reeling, and their situation worsened in the 71st minute when Howden AFC scored a third goal, again exploiting a lapse in the Malet defence. With the scoreline at 3-0, the Vikings faced an uphill battle to salvage the match.
Despite the mounting pressure, Linden Maughan continued to shine, making a remarkable penalty save in the 76th minute, demonstrating his resilience and skill under pressure. However, the damage had been done, and Malet Vikings could not find a way back into the game.
As the final whistle blew, Howden AFC celebrated their comprehensive victory, while Malet Vikings were left to reflect on a challenging cup outing. The match highlighted the need for improvement in both defensive organisation and attacking execution as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.
