In a commanding display, Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix secured a 3-0 victory against Warndon Villages Youth U11 Tigers in a friendly match held at Little Perdiswell on 3rd May 2025. The match kicked off at 9:30 am, showcasing the young talents of both teams in a competitive 9-a-side format.
Academykicks deployed a 3-4-1 formation, with Cayden Whitehurst stationed in goal. The defensive trio consisted of Harry Humphries on the right, Daniel Taylor in the centre, and Jake Litchfield-Wall on the left. The midfield was anchored by Freddie Middleton and Austin Bartlett centrally, flanked by Alfie Coates on the right and Lex Billingham on the left. Noah Lewis led the line as the striker, supported by the attacking midfield presence of Freddie Middleton. The substitutes for the match included Charlie Waller, Alfie Hannis, and Jam
The match began with an early flourish from Academykicks, as Daniel Taylor made a slide rule key pass in the third minute, creating a promising chance. However, it was Lex Billingham who had the first attempt on goal in the twelfth minute, though his effort went wide of the target.
As the game progressed, Cayden Whitehurst was called into action in the nineteenth minute, making a crucial parry to keep the score level. Billingham continued to threaten, forcing a save from the Warndon goalkeeper in the twenty-first minute, but it was shortly after that the deadlock was broken.
In the twenty-first minute, Freddie Middleton scored the opening goal with a well-placed header from close range, assisted by Lex Billingham. This goal ignited the Academykicks side, and just three minutes later, Alfie Coates doubled the lead with a right-footed strike from close range, following a clever assist from Charlie Waller.
Defensively, Academykicks remained resolute, with Jake Litchfield-Wall making a vital interception in the twenty-seventh minute to prevent a Warndon chance. Harry Humphries followed suit with a clearance in the twenty-eighth minute, showcasing the team's solid defensive organisation.
As the first half drew to a close, Academykicks continued to press, with Alfie Hannis attempting a shot that went wide in the twenty-ninth minute. The half-time whistle blew with the score at 2-0, leaving Warndon with much to ponder.
The second half commenced with Academykicks making tactical adjustments. Alfie Hannis was substituted for Austin Bartlett, while Noah Lewis returned to the pitch after an injury layoff, replacing Alfie Hannis in the thirty-fourth minute.
The second half saw more attacking intent from Academykicks, with Alfie Coates attempting another shot that was saved in the fifty-third minute. Meanwhile, Cayden Whitehurst continued to impress in goal, making a full stretch save in the fifty-seventh minute to deny Warndon a glimmer of hope.
In the forty-first minute, Noah Lewis added a third goal for Academykicks, finishing inside the box with his left foot after a well-timed assist from Alfie Coates. This goal effectively sealed the match for Academykicks, who maintained their composure and defensive discipline.
As the match neared its conclusion, Harry Humphries had a late attempt that went wide, but the score remained unchanged. The final whistle blew, confirming a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix, with Alfie Coates earning the Player of the Match accolade for his influential performance.
