In a commanding display, Witham Friary U13 triumphed over Bradford Town Youth U13 Harriers with a resounding scoreline of 5-1 in their league home match held at Witham Friary FC on 16 March 2025. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM and showcased the home side's attacking prowess and defensive solidity, much to the delight of the 23 spectators in attendance.
In one of their best displays of the season, Witham controlled the game from start to finish and never let their visitors settle. Playing an excellent style of high press football, they could quite easily have won by more in what was their second biggest league victory of the season against a side currently top of the league with seven wins in nine games. The intensity, passing football and physicality on show was immense against a very big and strong Bradford team.
.
Witham Friary set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Finlay Patrick occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back three consisting of Dylan Turner in central defence, flanked by Jahmiah Harding on the right and Dempsey Matthews on the left. The midfield was anchored by Max Norris and Cristiano Do Amaral Vanzil in central roles, with Sullivan Collis on the right and Archie Hansford on the left providing width. Leo Griffin operated just behind the two forwards, Zak Daniels and Nikolaj Ostergaard, who were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals. There was some real quality on the bench as well which included Zachary Harris, Matthew Lyons, Elliott Atwood, Seth Taylor, and Ethan Oatley all of whom played their part in the victory.
The match began with an early scare for Bradford as Zak Daniels struck the post in the 8th minute, showcasing his intent to find the back of the net. Just two minutes later, Dylan Turner attempted an overhead kick taught to be him by his father which sailed high and wide indicating the home side's attacking ambitions. Witham's pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Sullivan Collis scored the opener, converting from a Leo Griffin deft header, finding the net with his right foot from inside the box.
Finlay Patrick was called into action shortly after, producing a full-stretch save in the 16th minute to deny Bradford any chance of equalising. Tactical substitutions were made in the 17th minute, with Zachary Harris and Matthew Lyons entering the fray, replacing Nikolaj Ostergaard and Dempsey Matthews respectively. The changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the game, and it proved effective as Witham continued to dominate possession.
In the 23rd minute, Elliott Atwood replaced Jahmiah Harding, followed shortly by Seth Taylor coming on for Sullivan Collis. Witham's relentless attacking continued, with Max Norris firing high in the 24th minute. However, it was Zak Daniels who doubled the lead in the 25th minute, scoring from close range after receiving a short pass from Leo Griffin.
Bradford struggled to find their rhythm as Witham maintained control, with Seth Taylor's effort was saved in the 27th minute. In the 33rd minute, Zachary Harris scored his first goal for the club team with a header from a Cristiano Do Amaral Vanzil cross, extending the lead to 3-0. The first half concluded with Witham firmly in control, leading 3-0.
The second half saw immediate changes for Witham, with Nikolaj Ostergaard and Dempsey Matthews coming on for Leo Griffin and Archie Hansford respectively. Just minutes into the half, Bradford managed to pull one back in the 53rd minute with a close-range effort, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Witham responded quickly, perhaps with not so fond memories of the game at Bradford and in the 63rd minute, Sullivan Collis netted his second goal of the match, assisted by a long pass from Cristiano Do Amaral Vanzil. The home side was relentless, and in the 68th minute, Jahmiah Harding capped off the scoring with a tap-in, following a shot from Zak Daniels, bringing the final score to 5-1.
Witham Friary U13's performance was a testament to their attacking flair and defensive resilience, as they secured a comprehensive victory against Bradford Town Youth U13 Harriers, leaving the home fans in high spirits.
Trowbridge Wanderers up next for Witham before the League Cup semi final against FOF.
