In an emphatic display of footballing prowess, the Southside Star Youth U13 Wildcats triumphed over the Montpellier Youth U13 Mavericks with a resounding scoreline of 13-0. The league match, held at the KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELD in Shurdington on 22nd September 2024, kicked off at 2:00pm, showcasing the Wildcats' attacking might and defensive solidity.
The Wildcats lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Noah Broad stationed as the goalkeeper. In defence, William English played as the right defender, Louis Higham assumed the central defender role, and Luke Zurita took up the left defender position. The midfield quartet featured Harry Walsh on the right, Jack Connolly and Ben Dubberley in central roles, and Charlie Leach on the left, while logan Zulhayir operated as an attacking midfielder. Up front, Johnny Higbey and Henry Sell formed a two-man forward partnership. The tactical setup demanded fluidity and creativity from the midfield, while the defence was tasked with maintaining a strong line against any opposition threats.
The substitutes for the Wildcats included Sonny Cruse, Mo Francis, Jan Popiel, and Max Coleman, providing the squad with versatility and tactical options as the match progressed.
The Wildcats wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Luke Zurita finding the back of the net just three minutes into the match, tapping in from close range after a well-worked move. By the sixth minute, the lead had doubled, as logan Zulhayir unleashed a stunning long-range strike, assisted by Henry Sell, leaving the Montpellier goalkeeper with no chance.
Jack Connolly added to the tally in the 13th minute, scoring with a precise shot from outside the area following an assist from Johnny Higbey. As the Wildcats continued to press, tactical substitutions were made in the 15th minute. Sonny Cruse replaced Charlie Leach, Mo Francis came on for William English, and Jan Popiel entered the fray in place of Harry Walsh, all aiming to maintain the relentless attacking momentum.
The Wildcats extended their lead further when Johnny Higbey scored in the 18th minute, converting a cross from Harry Walsh with a powerful effort inside the box. Zurita was on target again in the 21st minute, finding the net with another close-range tap-in, showcasing his poacher instinct.
At the half-hour mark, further changes saw Harry Walsh return to the pitch for Ben Dubberley, while Charlie Leach came on for Henry Sell, all in a bid to keep the team fresh and adaptable as they went into the half-time break leading 5-0.
The second half began with a surge from the Wildcats, as Harry Walsh scored just five minutes in. Shortly after, Jan Popiel marked his impact by scoring twice in quick succession, first in the 41st minute from inside the box, and then again in the 46th minute with a close-range tap-in.
Henry Sell joined the scoring spree in the 50th minute, netting a goal assisted by William English, before Montpellier's misery was compounded by an own goal from one of their players in the 52nd minute, bringing the score to 10-0. Jan Popiel completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, finishing off an assist from logan Zulhayir before Charlie Leach added the final touch to a remarkable victory in the 66th minute.
The final whistle confirmed a staggering 13-0 victory for Southside Star Youth U13 Wildcats, a result that underscores their attacking brilliance and solid teamwork.
