In a commanding performance, Stogursey First triumphed over Middlezoy Rovers Athletic with a resounding 4-0 victory in their cup clash held at Bridgwater College Academy on 16 October 2024. The match kicked off at 8:00pm, and the outcome was a testament to Stogursey's attacking prowess and solid defensive display.
Stogursey First lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a strong defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Liam Temlett took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Matteo Palumbo on the right, Sean Marlow and Michael Watts in central defence, and Markus Bail on the left. In midfield, Daniel Glover and Damian Brown operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Journeyman played just ahead of them as an attacking midfielder, while the front three featured Harry Hardwell on the right, Tyler Reed as the central striker, and Jake Williams on the left. The substitutes for Stogursey included Bradley Walford, Mark Chapman, Ben Campbell-Wallis, Joe Edgar, and Charlie Smith.
The match began with an early opportunity for Stogursey when Tyler Reed was awarded a penalty in the 15th minute. However, his effort went wide, leaving the scoreline unchanged. This miss did not deter Stogursey, who continued to press forward. Their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Tyler Reed redeemed himself by scoring the opening goal, finishing a well-placed short pass from Jake Williams inside the box with his right foot.
As the first half drew to a close, Stogursey doubled their lead just before the break. In the 45th minute, Harry Hardwell executed a stunning volley from a long pass delivered by Matteo Palumbo, finding the back of the net with his right foot. This goal sent Stogursey into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half saw Stogursey maintain their momentum, and in the 55th minute, they made their first substitution, bringing on Bradley Walford for Tyler Reed. Just three minutes later, Jake Williams added to the scoreline, netting Stogursey's third goal in the 58th minute with a composed finish inside the box, showcasing his sharp attacking instincts.
In the 70th minute, Stogursey made two further substitutions, with Mark Chapman replacing the injured Damian Brown and Ben Campbell-Wallis coming on for Matteo Palumbo. The changes did not disrupt their rhythm, as Stogursey continued to dominate proceedings. Just a minute later, in the 71st minute, Journeyman scored the fourth goal, finishing off a well-executed team move assisted by a clever flick from Bradley Walford.
As the match approached its conclusion, Stogursey made their final substitutions in the 74th minute, introducing Joe Edgar for Daniel Glover and Charlie Smith for Journeyman. The fresh legs helped maintain their intensity, and Stogursey's defence held firm.
Referee Craig Scriven oversaw the match with a commendable performance, ensuring the game flowed smoothly. Stogursey First's comprehensive victory not only showcased their attacking flair but also highlighted their defensive solidity, marking them as a formidable force in this cup competition. Jake Williams was rightly named Player of the Match for his influential performance, contributing both in attack and overall team play.
