Mountfield Sharks U12 faced off against Winsford Town FFF Black U12s in a gripping cup tie at their home ground on 2nd March 2025, with the match concluding in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The game, which kicked off at 9:00 am, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.
The Sharks lined up in a 2-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Kobe Gaskell took his position in goal, shielded by central defenders Owen Shea and Daniel O'Keefe. In front of them, Sam Lowery operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking quartet comprised Percy Hay on the right, Jack Lundy and Harry Horsfield centrally, and Alex Savage on the left, with Kye Hindle leading the line as the striker. This formation aimed to exploit the flanks and create goal-scoring opportunities through quick transitions.
The substitutes for the match included Jamie Silver and Freddie Robinson, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.
The match began with an early setback for the Sharks, as Winsford Town took the lead in the 10th minute. A well-placed strike from the opponents caught the Sharks' defence off guard, leaving Gaskell with little chance to respond. The Sharks, however, were quick to regroup and began to assert themselves in the midfield.
In the 21st minute, Alex Savage levelled the score for Mountfield Sharks with a brilliant goal. After a series of intricate passes, Savage found himself in space and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the home supporters. The Sharks were back in the game, and the momentum shifted in their favour as they pressed for a second goal.
As the first half progressed, both teams had their chances, but neither could find the net again before the half-time whistle blew at the 30-minute mark. The Sharks went into the break with renewed confidence, having equalised and showing signs of a strong attacking intent.
The second half resumed with both teams eager to take control. However, it was Winsford Town who struck first again, regaining the lead in the 34th minute. A lapse in concentration from the Sharks allowed the opponents to capitalise, and they slotted home a second goal, putting the Sharks under pressure once more.
Despite trailing again, Mountfield Sharks refused to back down. They rallied together, and in a thrilling finale, Kye Hindle brought the scores level once more in the dying moments of the match. In the 60th minute, he received a precise assist from Jack Lundy, who threaded a clever pass through the defence. Hindle made no mistake, finishing clinically to secure a vital equaliser for the Sharks.
As the final whistle blew, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that reflected the tenacity and spirit of both teams. Alex Savage's performance stood out, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match for his pivotal role in the Sharks' attacking play. The Sharks will take heart from their fighting spirit as they prepare for the next challenge in this competitive cup campaign.
