In a gripping encounter at the UOR - Bulmershe Pavilion on 25 January 2025, Whitegrove and Warfield FC U15 BEES edged past Woodley United U15 Cyclones with a final score of 2-1. The match, which kicked off at 11:00 am, saw the BEES secure a vital league victory, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the 80 minutes of play.
The BEES lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Luke Turner-Howe stationed in goal. The defensive line consisted of Alex Mancey and Henry Abell as right and left defenders respectively, flanking central defenders Harry Fennell and Aiden Versluys. In midfield, Oliver Hobden and Henry Hanaphy occupied the right and left flanks, while Toby Flanagan and Louis Matthews operated centrally. Up front, Oliver Lewendon and Harrison Teague formed the striking partnership, tasked with converting chances into goals.
Substitutes for the match included Reece Cowling, Phoenix Slater, and Bradley Stoker, who would later play crucial roles in the unfolding drama.
The BEES took an early lead in the 14th minute when Harrison Teague found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-placed assist from Henry Hanaphy. Teague's composed finish with his left foot set the tone for a confident start from the visitors. However, the joy was short-lived as Oliver Hobden had to be substituted just a minute later due to injury, with Reece Cowling stepping onto the pitch to fill the void.
As the match progressed, Harrison Teague struck again in the 25th minute, doubling the BEES' advantage with another assist from Hanaphy. This goal, scored from inside the box, highlighted the effective link-up play between the two players and put the BEES firmly in control.
The first half concluded with the BEES leading 2-0, but not without a few moments of concern. A series of substitutions began to unfold as Phoenix Slater replaced Louis Matthews in the 30th minute, followed closely by Bradley Stoker coming on for Toby Flanagan just a minute later. The tactical shifts aimed to maintain momentum as the team headed into the second half.
Upon resuming play, Luke Turner-Howe showcased his goalkeeping skills with a crucial interception just after the break, ensuring the BEES maintained their two-goal cushion. However, the Cyclones struck back almost immediately in the 47th minute, scoring from inside the box to reduce the deficit to 2-1, igniting hopes of a comeback for the home side.
The BEES responded with attempts to restore their two-goal lead, with Louis Matthews testing the Cyclones' goalkeeper in the 47th minute, only to be denied. Reece Cowling also had a shot saved in the 52nd minute, while Alex Mancey came close, hitting the crossbar in the 54th minute, showcasing the BEES' attacking intent.
As the match wore on, the BEES continued to press, but their efforts were met with mixed results. Henry Hanaphy had a shot go wide in the 54th minute, while substitutions continued to be made to keep the squad fresh. Toby Flanagan returned to the pitch in the 56th minute, replacing Bradley Stoker, while Oliver Lewendon came on for Louis Matthews.
Defensively, the BEES remained resolute, with Harry Fennell making a vital block in the 63rd minute to prevent a clear chance for the Cyclones. Luke Turner-Howe was called into action again, making a catch to maintain the slender lead.
As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Oliver Hobden had a couple of attempts, one going wide in the 72nd minute and another saved in the 77th minute, as the BEES sought to secure their victory. Alex Mancey also made a crucial header to defend against a Cyclones attack in the 77th minute, demonstrating the team's commitment to protecting their lead.
Despite the late pressure from Woodley United, the BEES held firm, with Oliver Hobden's final attempt in the 80th minute going wide, sealing a hard-fought victory. The match concluded with Whitegrove and Warfield FC U15 BEES emerging victorious, showcasing their determination and tactical discipline against a spirited Woodley United side. The standout performances from Henry Abell, Oliver Hobden, and Henry Hanaphy were instrumental in securing this important league win.
