In a thrilling league encounter at Witham Friary FC U13 on 23 March 2025, Witham Friary U13 showcased their attacking prowess, defeating Trowbridge Wanderers Youth FC U13 Spitfi with a resounding scoreline of 6-2. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM and drew an enthusiastic crowd of 28 supporters, all eager to witness the action unfold.
Witham Friary adopted a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive line. Finlay Patrick stood guard in goal, with a back three comprising Jahmiah Harding on the right, Dylan Turner in the centre, and Dempsey Matthews on the left. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Seth Taylor and Archie Hansford on the right and left flanks respectively, while Max Norris, Leo Griffin, and Cristiano Do Amaral Vanzil operated centrally. Up front, Zak Daniels and Ethan Oatley formed a dynamic partnership, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The match began with an early shock for the home side as Trowbridge Wanderers took the lead just five minutes in. A well-taken finish from the striker after an unusually slow start put Witham Friary on the back foot, but the home team responded with determination. Just three minutes later, Zak Daniels levelled the score with a clinical finish, demonstrating his poacher's instinct.
As the first half progressed, Witham Friary began to assert their dominance. Zak Daniels struck again in the 30th minute, this time assisted by Jahmiah Harding, who delivered a precise pass that Daniels converted with ease. With the score at 2-1, the home side went into half-time with a renewed sense of confidence after Zak Daniels completed his hatrick with another well placed finish to put them two goals ahead at the break following an assist by Ethan Oatley.
The second half started as the first half ended with Witham on the front foot. Archie Hansford added to the tally, scoring in the 39th minute with a deft finish, courtesy of an assist from Daniels, who was proving to be a constant threat. The score now stood at 4-1, and Witham Friary were firmly in control.
Jahmiah Harding then got in on the act, scoring his first goal of the match in the 40th minute, showcasing his attacking capabilities from the back. The home side's lead had ballooned to 5-1, and it seemed as though they were unstoppable.
However, Trowbridge Wanderers managed to pull one back in the 58th minute, scoring their second goal of the match, but it was too little, too late. Witham Friary responded immediately, with Jahmiah Harding netting his second goal just five minutes later, assisted by goalkeeper Finlay Patrick, who launched a long ball that found Harding in space.
The match concluded with a convincing 6-2 victory for Witham Friary U13, a result that highlighted their attacking flair and solid teamwork. The home side will take great confidence from this performance as they look to build on their success in the upcoming fixtures with a cup semi final awaiting them next Sunday against FOF.
