Witham Friary U13 faced off against Ashton Boys Under 13’s in a thrilling friendly match at the Writhlington Sport Centre on 5th January 2025, kicking off at 1:00pm. The home side emerged victorious with a nail-biting scoreline of 4-3, showcasing a blend of skill, determination, and resilience throughout the contest.
Witham Friary adopted a 4-5-1 formation, designed to bolster their midfield while providing a solid defensive base. Finlay Patrick stood guard in goal, with a back four comprising Dempsey Matthews on the right, Jahmiah Harding and Dylan Turner as central defenders, and Matthew Lyons on the left. The midfield was packed with Sullivan Collis on the right, Zak Daniels, Leo Griffin, and Max Norris in central roles, while Ethan Oatley operated on the left. Archie Hansford led the line as the lone striker, expected to hold up play and link with the midfielders.
The substitutes were not listed for this match, but the starting eleven was more than capable of making an impact on the game.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage, but it was Witham Friary who struck first. In the 11th minute, Sullivan Collis opened the scoring with a well-executed goal, finishing a slick team move with a right-footed shot following a clever flick from Archie Hansford. Just six minutes later, Leo Griffin doubled the lead, scoring from outside the box with a precise right-footed effort after receiving a short pass from Hansford.
Witham continued to press, and in the 25th minute, Dempsey Matthews added a third goal, converting directly from a corner kick he had taken himself, showcasing his set-piece prowess. However, the home side's dominance was met with resistance as Ashton Boys began to find their rhythm.
Finlay Patrick, the Witham goalkeeper, was called into action multiple times, making full-stretch saves in the 30th and 33rd minutes to deny Ashton Boys any chance of getting back into the game before half-time. The first half concluded with Witham leading 3-0, a scoreline that reflected their control of the match.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Just four minutes after the restart, Ashton Boys found the net, scoring from inside the box to reduce the deficit to 3-1. The visitors continued to apply pressure, and within a minute, they struck again, making it 3-2 and igniting hopes of a comeback.
Witham's defence was tested, but Patrick remained resolute, making a crucial parry in the 60th minute to keep his side ahead. However, Ashton Boys were relentless, and in the 61st minute, they completed their comeback, equalising at 3-3.
Just when it seemed that Witham might falter, Archie Hansford stepped up in the 65th minute, scoring a stunning goal from outside the area with his left foot, assisted by Leo Griffin. This goal proved to be the decisive moment in a match filled with twists and turns.
As the final whistle blew, Witham Friary celebrated a hard-fought 4-3 victory, with Dempsey Matthews earning accolades for his outstanding performance. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of youth football, leaving both teams with plenty to reflect on as they move forward in their respective campaigns.
