In a gripping 2nd round cup encounter at Astley Bridge Football Club on 1st March 2025, the Astley Bridge Titans emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over Tiki Taka Dortmund. The match kicked off a bit later then scheduled at 10:45 am and showcased a blend of fast counter attacking football and individual brilliance, ultimately leading to a decisive outcome for the Titans.
Tiki Taka Dortmund lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Kamsy Anajemba took his place in goal, shielded by central defenders Kai McCaughtrie and Archie Hunt. The midfield trio consisted of Nikita Velicka on the right, Zac Leach in the centre, and Zac Humphries-Deveney on the left, while the forward line featured Oscar Manders on the right, Noah Rule as the central striker, and Andrew-Franz Nkemka on the left. This setup aimed to facilitate quick transitions from defence to attack, with an emphasis on width and creativity.
The substitutes for Tiki Taka Dortmund included Yasin Mohammed and Alfie Kearney, who were poised to make an impact as the match progressed.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was the Titans who struck first, scoring in the 10th minute to take an early lead. Tiki Taka Dortmund responded with determination and pushed for an equaliser but struggled to create any clear chances at goal. In the 14th minute, Dortmund made a double substitution, bringing on Yasin Mohammed for Andrew-Franz Nkemka and Alfie Kearney for Oscar Manders, looking to inject fresh energy into their attack.
As the game continued, Dortmund looked to get a goal back and Andrew-Franz Nkemka found himself through on goal in the 18th minute, but was unfortunately flagged offside. Shortly after, Yasin Mohammed made a significant contribution with a low cross into the box in the 21st minute, creating a chance for Zac Humphries-Deveney to convert, but his effort was blocked.
Kamsy Anajemba showcased his goalkeeping skills with a brilliant double save, the first a good save down low, followed by a remarkable point-blank reaction save, that left the Titans wondering how they didn't score. However, it didn't take long for the Titans to double their advantage in the 26th minute, scoring their second goal and leaving Tiki Taka Dortmund with a mountain to climb.
In a tactical reshuffle, Andrew-Franz Nkemka returned to the pitch in the 26th minute, replacing Noah Rule, as Tiki Taka Dortmund sought to regain control. Nkemka had a chance to score in the 28th minute, but his shot was saved, reflecting the Titans' defensive resilience.
As the first half drew to a close, Tiki Taka Dortmund found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. The second half commenced with renewed hope for the Dortmund side, but they faced immediate pressure. Kai McCaughtrie made a crucial clearance in the 31st minute, preventing a potential chance for the Titans.
Nikita Velicka attempted to create opportunities with a long pass in the 33rd minute, but it failed to result in a clear-cut chance. In the 35th minute, Noah Rule returned to the pitch, replacing Zac Leach, as Tiki Taka Dortmund continued to search for a way back into the match.
The game saw a few offside calls, including one against Yasin Mohammed in the 37th minute, which was again correctly adjudged. As the match progressed, Kamsy Anajemba continued to demonstrate his goalkeeping prowess, making a catch in the 39th minute and ensuring his side remained in the game.
Yasin Mohammed made another key pass in the 43rd minute, showcasing his playmaking abilities, but the chance did not materialise into a goal.
In the 49th minute, Tiki Taka Dortmund made another substitution, bringing Alfie Kearney back on for Zac Humphries-Deveney. However, their efforts were thwarted when the Titans scored their third goal in the 54th minute, effectively sealing the match.
Andrew-Franz Nkemka made a commendable tackle in the 56th minute, preventing further damage, but it was clear that Tiki Taka Dortmund would not find a way back into the game. The match concluded with the Titans celebrating a well-deserved 3-0 victory and progressing to the next round of the cup, leaving Tiki Taka Dortmund to reflect on their performance and regroup for the remaining league games. Kamsy Anajemba's outstanding display in goal earned him the Player of the Match accolade, highlighting his crucial role in the team's efforts.
Big thanks to our team kit sponsor:
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