In an impressive display of football, Whitegrove and Warfield FC BEES secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Burghfield Vipers in a league away match held at the Willink School on 21 September 2024. The match kicked off at 11:00 am, and the BEES showcased their attacking prowess throughout the encounter.
Deploying a 4-4-1-1 formation, Whitegrove and Warfield FC BEES lined up with Luke Turner-Howe in goal, supported by a back four consisting of Henry Abell on the right, Harry Fennell and Aiden Versluys as central defenders, and Harrison Teague on the left. In midfield, Henry Hanaphy played on the right, with Bradley Stoker and Toby Flanagan forming the central partnership, and Oliver Lewendon on the left flank. Louis Matthews operated just behind the lone striker Matthew Joly-Panayiotou, who led the attack upfront.
The substitutions for the BEES included Ashton Sampson, Phoenix Slater, Reece Cowling, and Oliver Hobden, who were poised to make tactical impacts as the match progressed.
The opening goal arrived early in the 12th minute when Henry Hanaphy found the net, capitalising on a long pass from Louis Matthews. Hanaphy finished with his left foot from inside the box, giving the BEES a crucial lead.
The 20-minute mark saw a flurry of tactical substitutions as Phoenix Slater replaced Toby Flanagan, Reece Cowling came on for Bradley Stoker, Oliver Hobden took the place of Matthew Joly-Panayiotou, and Ashton Sampson substituted for Louis Matthews. These changes were aimed at maintaining momentum and controlling the midfield.
Just after the substitutions, in the 31st minute, Oliver Hobden extended the lead to 2-0. He scored with a right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Ashton Sampson, who delivered a precise long pass.
As the first half approached its conclusion, the BEES continued to assert their dominance, and at the 40-minute mark, Toby Flanagan was reintroduced to the field, replacing Oliver Lewendon. The half-time whistle blew shortly after, with Whitegrove leading 2-0.
The second half began with immediate impact as the BEES scored again just a minute after the restart. Toby Flanagan netted a stunning goal from outside the area with his right foot, further solidifying the team’s advantage.
In the 56th minute, Louis Matthews added to the tally, scoring with a header from a cross delivered by Reece Cowling. This goal demonstrated the BEES’ aerial threat and proficiency in set-piece situations.
A series of substitutions followed in the 60th minute, with Ashton Sampson and Oliver Lewendon returning to the pitch, re-entering for Louis Matthews and Toby Flanagan respectively. Shortly after, Bradley Stoker was also substituted back into the game for Flanagan.
In the 61st minute, Oliver Hobden was replaced by Matthew Joly-Panayiotou, who had earlier been substituted off due to tactical choices. The match continued to unfold with a few more adjustments.
The 70th minute saw further changes, as Joly-Panayiotou was brought on for Aiden Versluys due to an injury concern. Louis Matthews also made his return to the pitch in place of Oliver Hobden, ensuring the BEES maintained their attacking options.
With the match coming to a close, Whitegrove and Warfield FC BEES showcased a commanding performance with a final score of 4-0, leaving Burghfield Vipers without a goal. The referee, Harrison Merryweather, oversaw the match with an outstanding performance, contributing to a well-managed game. The BEES will take significant confidence from this result as they look forward to their next fixtures, bolstered by standout performances from players such as Henry Hanaphy and Toby Flanagan, who were instrumental in securing the emphatic victory.
