In an electrifying league encounter at The New Croft on 28th September 2024, Moreton Hall Raiders showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 9-2 victory over Haverhill Rovers. The match saw the Raiders dominate throughout, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up.
Moreton Hall Raiders lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Zak Leighton was stationed in goal, while a back four of Oscar Kobylecki and Heston Andrews on the right and left flanks, respectively, provided width and support. Central defenders Jacob Thrower and Kingsley Cook anchored the defence, with Fenton Arnold playing as the lone central midfielder. In front of him, a quartet of attacking midfielders—Aiden Fulcher and Callum Clarke on the right and left flanks, respectively, and Hugo Andrews and Jack Hurrell centrally—were tasked with creating goal-scoring opportunities. Leading the line was striker Harry Ambrose, whose role was to finish the chances created by his teammates.
The substitutes for the match included Joseph Hawes, Taylor Parker, Finley Deeks, and Josh Gilbert, who would all play their part in the team's success as the game unfolded.
The Raiders opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Harry Ambrose, assisted by Aiden Fulcher, executed a delightful lob over the Haverhill goalkeeper with his left foot.
As the match progressed, the Raiders continued to apply pressure, and in the 25th minute, Joseph Hawes scored with a well-placed left-footed shot from close range, following a corner assisted by Taylor Parker. Just two minutes later, Taylor Parker himself found the net, tapping in another corner this time Hawes the supplier, extending the lead to 3-0.
Aiden Fulcher added to the tally in the 29th minute, scoring just inside the box with a precise left-footed low shot, further demonstrating the Raiders' dominance. The first half concluded with a commanding 4-0 lead for Moreton Hall Raiders.
After the break, the Raiders continued their assault on the Haverhill goal. Just a minute into the second half, Joseph Hawes found the net again, scoring with a left-foot high into the net assisted by a lovely through ball from Josh Gilbert. Finley Deeks also got in on the action in the 49th minute, rounding the keeper and scoring a delightful solo goal after a short through ball from the beast Jack Hurrell, bringing the score to 6-0.
Haverhill Rovers managed to find a response in the 51st minute, scoring a solo goal from outside the box, which injected a flicker of hope into their game. However, Moreton Hall quickly regained control, and in the 60th minute, Harry Ambrose scored his second goal of the match, with a close-range finish assisted by Hugo Andrews with a powerful run and cross down the right wing. Apparently his right foot isn’t just for standing on!
Joseph Hawes was not finished yet; in the 61st minute, he completed his hat-trick with a close range finish after a scintillating run and close fishing from a long pass by Taylor Parker, showcasing his clinical finishing. As the game entered its final stages, the Raiders made further substitutions, with Heston Andrews replacing Hawes and Oscar Kobylecki coming on for Kingsley Cook.
In the 63rd minute, Haverhill found the net again, scoring another goal to reduce the deficit. However, the Raiders ended the match on a high note, with Harry Ambrose netting his third goal in the 70th minute, finishing off a well-worked team move with a close-range left-footed strike, sealing the comprehensive 9-2 victory for Moreton Hall Raiders.
This emphatic win not only highlighted the Raiders' offensive capabilities but also showcased the depth of their squad, with significant contributions from the substitutes. The performance of Joseph Hawes and Harry Ambrose stood out, as both players were instrumental in the rout, earning them joint recognition as Players of the Match. Neither received the match ball following their hatricks, which left them bitterly disappointed.
