On 14 December 2024, Teddington Athletic FC U12 Titans faced off against Molesey Juniors U12 Jaguars in a league home match at their local ground. The Titans delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 6-1 victory over their opponents, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation throughout the encounter.
The Titans adopted a 2-4-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a strong defensive base while providing ample support for their forwards. In goal, Kerem Polat was tasked with safeguarding the net, while Isaac Borsley and Toby Smith formed a robust central defensive partnership. The midfield was anchored by Can Polat and Elliott Bowen in central roles, with Rapha Kothakota and Maxwell Shaw operating as right and left midfielders respectively. Up front, Jacob Bragg and Seth Smith were positioned as the right and left forwards, expected to exploit the spaces left by the Molesey defence.
As the match kicked off, both teams were eager to assert their dominance, but it was the Titans who quickly took control. The first half saw a flurry of attacking play from Teddington, with Jacob Bragg emerging as a key figure in their offensive strategy.
The Titans' forward pressure paid off with a corner in the 2nd minute. Bowen delivered the ball with pace into the heart of the goal. Bragg, demonstrating his clinical finishing ability, found the back of the net, sending a clear message to the Jaguars. The Titans continued to dominate possession, with their midfielders controlling the tempo and creating numerous chances.
The Jaguars were certainly not without attacking intent, particularly overloading down the left flank. A mix of defensive pressure and wayward finishing saved the Titans from three clear Molesey chances in the first half - which would have changed the mood of both teams. The Jaguars did find the net in the 15th minute to bring the scores level.
Titans looked to the subs bench, swapping George for Jacob and Ethan for Isaac (with Can moving to the defensive line).
Shum went on a mazy run from central midfield, into the penalty area and unleashed a shot which the defenders were unable to keep out of the net. A richly deserved goal.
Titans created a two-goal cushion before the interval, with Maxwell feeding Seth for a rare headed goal - leaving the score at 3-1 as the teams headed into the break.
With George nursing a tight hamstring, Jacob was reintroduced at half time. Isaac and Ethan also reversed their earlier sub - with Isaac going into midfield.
Two minutes after the restart Bragg scored his second of the game. Another Elliott corner, a flick through the legs by Seth - and Jacob was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
With the Titans leading 4-1, Molesey struggled to find their rhythm, often being thwarted by the solid defensive work of Borsley and Smith. The Jaguars, now on the back foot, struggled to contain the Titans' attacking waves.
Ethan was re-introduced into the game for Jacob, with a freer role up front. The Titans continued to press forward, and their relentless pursuit of goals resulted in two more strikes - both for Rapha, with assists coming from through-balls by Seth and Elliott.
With 3 mins remaining Seth made way for Jacob, but alas the hat-trick was not to be today. The match concluded with Teddington celebrating a well-deserved 6-1 victory.
In summary, the Titans' performance was characterised by effective teamwork, strategic positioning, and clinical finishing, particularly from Jacob Bragg, who was rightly named Player of the Match. The Titans' 6-1 triumph over Molesey Juniors U12 Jaguars not only highlights their attacking capabilities but also sets a strong precedent for the remainder of the season.
