In a commanding display, Tiki Taka Dortmund secured a 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Radcliffe Juniors Tornadoes in a league match held at St James's High School on 8th February 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and showcased the home side's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Tiki Taka Dortmund lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, with Kamsy Anajemba in goal, flanked by central defenders Archie Hunt and Lawrence Nwakamma. The midfield trio consisted of Nikita Velicka on the right, Kai McCaughtrie in the centre, and Zac Humphries-Deveney on the left, while the forward line featured Sonic Leung on the right, Noah Rule as the central striker, and Yasin Mohammed on the left. This formation allowed for fluid transitions between defence and attack, with the midfield expected to control the game and supply the forwards with opportunities.
The substitutes for Tiki Taka Dortmund included Alfie Kearney, Zac Leach, and Oscar Manders, who would provide fresh legs and tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
The match began with an early flourish from Tiki Taka Dortmund, as Noah Rule made a key through ball pass in the fourth minute, creating a chance for Yasin. However, Yasin Mohammed's attempt went just wide. Noah continued to be a threat upfront, firstly firing a shot high in the seventh minute before having an effort saved by the keeper just minutes later. Yasin was also denied by the Radcliffe goalkeeper in the 11th minute, as Tiki Taka Dortmund pressed for an opening goal.
In the 15th minute, the home side made a trio of substitutions, bringing on Alfie Kearney, Zac Leach, and Oscar Manders, which saw Sonic Leung, Kai McCaughtrie, and Zac Humphries-Deveney make way. The changes injected fresh energy into the team, and it paid off almost immediately. Just a minute later, Nikita Velicka scored a stunning long-range strike with his right foot that flew past the Radcliffe keeper, putting Tiki Taka Dortmund ahead.
As the first half progressed, Archie Hunt demonstrated his passing capabilities with a key long pass in the 20th minute, which created another chance for the team, although Yasin Mohammed's shot was saved. Hunt continued to impress defensively, making a crucial tackle in the 21st minute to thwart a Radcliffe attack. Kamsy Anajemba was called into action shortly after, tipping a shot from a free kick over the bar in the 23rd minute, showcasing his goalkeeping agility.
Despite several attempts from Yasin, who had another shot saved in the 25th minute, he just couldn't beat the Radcliffe keeper. Tiki Taka Dortmund maintained their lead as the half drew to a close and with the referees whistle the first half ended with the score at 1-0 in favour of the home side.
The second half began with Dortmund on the front foot again, with a key pass from Oscar Manders, although it did not create a clear chance the attacking intent was there. Tiki Taka Dortmund showed there defensive capabilities, with Hunt again making a vital tackle to prevent a Radcliffe opportunity in the 34th minute. Zac Humphries-Deveney then made a long pass that created a chance in the 35th minute, further demonstrating the team's attacking intent.
In the 36th minute, Tiki Taka Dortmund made further substitutions, bringing Yasin Mohammed, Nikita Velicka, and Lawrence Nwakamma back into the fold, replacing Noah Rule, Oscar Manders, and Archie Hunt respectively. This tactical shift proved effective, as just a minute later, Zac Humphries-Deveney scored from a free-kick that started off as a cross but managed to pass everyone in the box and find the net, doubling the lead for Tiki Taka Dortmund.
The home side continued to press, with Sonic Leung showing some great feet to break free but unfortunately his shot was saved in the 44th minute, while Zac Leach made a crucial interception at the other end to prevent a Radcliffe chance. Radcliffe continued to press and found themselves through on goal in the 53rd minute but Kamsy Anajemba was quick off his line to make the save, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess.
Yasin Mohammed had another attempt saved in the 54th minute, with the Radcliffe keeper intent on not letting him score today. Tiki Taka Dortmund's defence held firm once again to protect the clean sheet, with Lawrence Nwakamma making a timely clearance. The match concluded with Tiki Taka Dortmund comfortably securing a 2-0 victory, a testament to their solid performance and tactical execution throughout the game. Every player played their part in the win today, so it was only fair that the player of the match went to the whole team!
Big thanks to our team kit sponsor:
New Bury Chippy https://www.facebook.com/share/18bYeWyiEw/
