The Southside Star Youth U13 Wildcats faced off against Bishops Cleeve Colts Youth U13 Wanderers on 29 September 2024 at the Bishops Cleeve Sports Ground #1. The match, part of the league competition, ended decisively with the Wildcats securing a comprehensive 6-0 victory over their opponents.
In a tactical 3-4-1-2 formation, the Wildcats employed a solid defensive line complemented by a midfield designed to control possession and create scoring opportunities. Max Coleman stood guard in goal, while the back three comprised Johnny Higbey centrally flanked by George Stefanov on the right and Louis Higham on the left. In the midfield, William English and Ben Dubberley operated centrally, with Sonny Cruse on the left and Jack Connolly on the right, supporting attacking midfielder Logan Zulhayir. Up front, Riley Beamish and Henry Sell formed a dynamic forward partnership.
The substitutes for the Wildcats included Luke Zurita, Charlie Leach, Harry Walsh, Jan Popiel, and Noah Broad.
The Wildcats took an early lead in the 15th minute when Riley Beamish found the net with a well-placed right-footed shot, following a long pass from Jack Connolly. This goal set the tone for what would be a dominant performance.
Just two minutes later, tactical changes began to take shape as Charlie Leach replaced Sonny Cruse, Harry Walsh came on for William English, Jan Popiel replaced Riley Beamish, and Luke Zurita stepped in for Louis Higham, all occurring in the same minute. This flurry of substitutions aimed to maintain fresh legs and tactical adaptability.
In the 25th minute, Henry Sell doubled the Wildcats' advantage with a lobbed effort over the Bishops Cleeve goalkeeper, assisted by Jan Popiel's precise short pass. This goal showcased the Wildcats' attacking prowess.
As the first half progressed, the Wildcats made another tactical switch in the 35th minute, with William English returning to the pitch, replacing Harry Walsh, while Riley Beamish re-entered for Jan Popiel. Sonny Cruse also returned in place of Charlie Leach, and Luke Zurita, who had just come on earlier, was substituted off for Noah Broad.
The first half concluded with the score at 2-0, and the Wildcats looked poised to extend their lead in the second half.
Just after the interval, in the 44th minute, Henry Sell scored again, this time from outside the area with a superb right-footed strike, assisted by a short pass from Sonny Cruse. The Wildcats were now firmly in control, leading 3-0.
Sell's incredible performance continued as he netted his third goal just eight minutes later, in the 52nd minute, with a sensational strike that left the Bishops Cleeve defence scrambling.
The Wildcats weren't finished yet; in the 54th minute, Sonny Cruse scored a volley after a delightful cross from William English, bringing the score to 5-0.
The final goal for the Wildcats came in the 57th minute when Riley Beamish completed his brace with a solo effort, benefiting from a header assist by Logan Zulhayir. This capped off a remarkable display by the Wildcats, who showcased their attacking flair and defensive solidity throughout the match.
The referee's performance was commendable, overseeing the game with a notable level of control and clarity. With this emphatic victory, the Southside Star Youth U13 Wildcats will undoubtedly carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures.
