In a commanding display, Bath Arsenal Youth U13 Tigers Boys triumphed over Witham Friary U13 with an emphatic scoreline of 8-0 in their Somerset County Cup match at Odd Down Sports Ground on 19 January 2025. The match kicked off at 2:00 pm, and the 35 spectators witnessed a one-sided affair that showcased the attacking prowess of the opponents.
Witham Friary adopted a 5-1-3-1 formation, which saw Finlay Patrick in goal, shielded by a back five comprising Sullivan Collis and Dempsey Matthews as the right and left defenders respectively, with Elliott Atwood, Jahmiah Harding, and Dylan Turner forming the central defensive trio. Max Norris operated as a lone central midfielder, while Zak Daniels and Cristiano Do Amaral Vanzil took up positions as right and left attacking midfielders. Leo Griffin played just behind the striker, Archie Hansford, who led the line.
The substitutes for Witham Friary included Matthew Lyons, who would be called upon later in the match. The formation aimed to provide defensive solidity while allowing the midfield and attacking players to exploit any gaps left by the Bath Arsenal defence.
The match began with Witham competing well in the early stages with Dylan Turner having an early shot saved by the keeper. However, Bath Arsenal quickly asserting their dominance, scoring an own goal by Witham Friary in the 8th minute, which set the tone for the rest of the encounter. Just seven minutes later, Bath Arsenal doubled their lead with a goal from inside the box, showcasing their attacking intent. The relentless pressure continued, and they found the net again in the 16th minute.
In an attempt to regain some control, Witham Friary made an early substitution, bringing on Matthew Lyons for Dempsey Matthews in the 17th minute. However, Bath Arsenal remained unyielding, scoring their fourth goal in the 26th minute, followed by a fifth just seven minutes later, leaving Witham Friary trailing 5-0 at half-time.
As the second half commenced, Bath Arsenal wasted no time in extending their lead further, scoring their sixth goal in the 38th minute. The relentless assault continued, with another goal in the 44th minute, and an eighth goal soon followed in the 49th minute.
Witham Friary attempted to regroup, and for the last 20 minutes took the game to their opponents and created a number of half chances. This included Leo Griffin having a shot saved and a goalmouth scramble on the 54th minute involving Max Norris, Archie Hamsford and Cristianio Vanzil where somehow the ball did not go in. Dylan Turner showcased his defensive skills with a clearance off the line in the 56th minute and Fin Patrick made a good save in the 63rd minute but otherwise Witham largely soaked up the pressure during this spell, kept playing football in the right way and were showing some real attacking threat down the wings.
The match highlighted the challenges faced by Witham Friary against a formidable Bath Arsenal side, who were clinical in front of goal and relentless in their pursuit of victory as demonstrated by them playing in the age group up having left the Mid Wilts league as they found it too easy.
Witham next game is also in the cup against third division Mid Wilts team Corsham Tigers. Whilst this game will present different challenges, it’s very much a winnable game as they look to reach the Quarter Finals and they will look to dominate the match from the off.
