In an exhilarating league encounter at Leisure United Jericho Lane, MSB Woolton U16 Di Stefano showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 6-2 victory over their fellow club mates, MSB Woolton U16 Beckenbauer (Sun), on 29 September 2024. The match, which kicked off at 9:00 am, featured a thrilling display of skill and determination from both sides.
The Di Stefano side adopted a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with an effective attacking threat. In goal, Tony B provided a last line of defence, while a back four comprised John D and Christie D as right and left defenders, respectively, with Jacob M and Jacob F anchoring the central defence. The midfield featured Jack T on the right and Sean F on the left, with Khutso D and Oscar R operating centrally to control the flow of the game. Up front, Stan P and Max D formed the striking duo, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the Beckenbauer side. Substitutes included Alex Y, Sam B, George T, and Charlie C.
The match began brightly for Di Stefano as they took an early lead in the fifth minute. Jack T scored the opener, converting a short pass from Khutso D inside the box. Just four minutes later, an injury to Christie D forced an early substitution, with Alex Y stepping onto the pitch in the ninth minute.
Immediately making an impact, Alex Y netted Di Stefano's second goal in the tenth minute, finishing a well-placed cross from John D with his right foot, firmly placing the ball inside the box. However, Beckenbauer responded well, pulling one back in the fifteenth minute with a goal from their forward, demonstrating their intent to stay in the contest.
In the nineteenth minute, Di Stefano made another substitution as Khutso D was replaced by Sam B. The match continued to unfold in favour of Di Stefano, as Alex Y struck again in the twentieth minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake from Beckenbauer to slot home his second goal with a right-footed shot. The scoring continued in the twenty-second minute when Stan P added a fourth goal for Di Stefano, finishing a team move with a left-footed effort after receiving a cross from Alex Y. Oscar R also made his mark on the game, delivering the key long pass in the twenty-second minute that started scoring opportunity. In the thirty-fifth minute, two substitutions were made for Di Stefano, with Max D making way for George T and Jacob F being replaced by Charlie C.
The first half concluded with the score at 4-1 in favour of Di Stefano. As the second half commenced, Beckenbauer managed to reduce the deficit in the thirty-ninth minute with another goal, taking advantage of a defensive error from Di Stefano.
However, Di Stefano responded immediately after half-time, as Sean F scored a spectacular long-range effort in the forty-sixth minute, assisted by Stan P. Just a minute later, Alex Y completed his hat-trick, scoring from a corner delivered by George T with a well-timed header from close range.
The match continued with Di Stefano in control, and in the fifty-fifth minute, Stan P came close to adding to the tally but was denied as his shot hit the crossbar, showcasing the relentless pressure from the Di Stefano attack.
Ultimately, the match concluded with a resounding 6-2 victory for MSB Woolton U16 Di Stefano, underpinned by an impressive performance from key players, particularly Alex Y, who excelled with his hat-trick. John D's commanding presence in defence earned him recognition as the Player of the Match, reflecting the overall strength and cohesion of the Di Stefano squad throughout the encounter.
