The friendly encounter at Durrington High School on 23 March 2025 saw Worthing Dynamo U12 Black and Rustington Otters U12 battle to a dramatic 3-3 draw. Kick-off was at 10:00 am, and the match showcased a thrilling display of youth football, with both teams demonstrating skill and determination throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Worthing Dynamo lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, which is designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking width. In goal, Ellis Williams was tasked with keeping the opposition at bay, while a back four comprised of Teddy Gill on the right, Sami Dalaman and Toby Killick in central defence, and Isaish Hatton on the left aimed to provide stability. The midfield featured Lewis Langdell on the right, Archie Parker-Muckle and Leo Whyatt centrally, and Harrison Flanagan on the left, all expected to support both defence and attack. Up front, Reuben Wickens-Steele and Rudy Clark were positioned as forwards, looking to convert chances into goals.
The match began with Rustington Otters taking an early lead in the 14th minute, catching Worthing Dynamo off guard and setting the tone for a competitive fixture. Worthing responded positively, making a tactical substitution in the 19th minute as Theo Phillips replaced Reuben Wickens-Steele, aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Just three minutes later, Worthing Dynamo equalised through Toby Killick, who found the net with a well-placed right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by a precise cross from Lewis Langdell. The home side's momentum continued to build, and in the 29th minute, Rudy Clark put Worthing ahead, finishing off a move set up by Theo Phillips, who provided the assist.
However, Rustington Otters were quick to respond, levelling the score again just a minute later, demonstrating their resilience. The first half concluded with the score at 2-2, leaving both teams eager to secure a win in the second half.
As the second half commenced, Worthing made another substitution, bringing Lewis Langdell back on for Sami Dalaman in the 46th minute, aiming to bolster their midfield presence. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating opportunities, but it was Rustington who struck first in the second half, scoring in the 62nd minute to take a 3-2 lead.
In a dramatic twist, Worthing Dynamo responded almost immediately, with Theo Phillips scoring a stunning goal from outside the box in the 63rd minute, assisted by Reuben Wickens-Steele's clever flick. This goal not only equalised the match at 3-3 but also showcased the attacking prowess of the Worthing side.
As the final whistle blew, both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in a match that was as entertaining as it was competitive. Lewis Langdell's performance stood out, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match for his contributions throughout the game. The encounter served as a testament to the spirit of youth football, with both sides displaying commendable skill and determination.
