AFC Wolverhampton City U13 5 vs 1 Starz U13 Girls

AFC Wolverhampton City U13 welcomed Starz U13 Girls to Smestow Academy on 27 September 2026 for a 9-a-side league encounter kicking off at 12:30pm. The home side produced a commanding display to secure a 5-1 victory in a 60-minute match, showcasing attacking flair and defensive solidity throughout.

Wolverhampton City lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Elliot Street on the right, Jenson Jones centrally, and George Dunne on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Gabriel Quintyne-Morris on the right, Bailey Holmes and Josh Lea occupying the central midfield roles, and James Turley on the left flank. Leading the line was striker Harrison Szymanel, supported just behind by the midfielders. Between the sticks stood goalkeeper Aaryan Sharma. The formation was designed to provide defensive cover with three at the back while allowing width and creativity through the midfield four, expecting the wide midfielders to support both defence and attack. Isaac Sutheran was named as the substitute.

The match burst into life early on when Josh Lea opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a spectacular long-range direct free-kick that left the Starz goalkeeper with no chance. This early strike set the tone for Wolverhampton City’s attacking intent.

Shortly after, in the 17th minute, a tactical substitution saw Isaac Sutheran replace James Turley on the left midfield, injecting fresh energy into the side. This change paid dividends within minutes.

Isaac quickly made his mark by assisting Harrison Szymanel’s goal in the 22nd minute, as the striker capitalised on the chance to double the home side’s lead. The momentum continued to build as Gabriel Quintyne-Morris added a third goal for Wolverhampton City just two minutes later, demonstrating the effectiveness of the right midfield position in advancing forward.

The home side’s relentless pressure was rewarded again in the 25th minute when Harrison Szymanel struck his second goal of the match, putting Wolverhampton City firmly in control before the half-time whistle.

At the interval, Wolverhampton City led 4-0, having dominated possession and created numerous chances. Immediately after the break, James Turley was reintroduced to the pitch, replacing Gabriel Quintyne-Morris, signalling a tactical reshuffle to maintain intensity.

Wolverhampton City continued their dominance into the second half, with Harrison Szymanel completing his hat-trick in the 41st minute, further extending the lead and showcasing his clinical finishing ability.

In the 45th minute, another substitution saw Gabriel Quintyne-Morris return to the field, this time replacing left defender George Dunne, perhaps to add more attacking impetus from the flanks as the game progressed.

Despite Wolverhampton City’s control, Starz U13 Girls managed to pull a goal back in the 56th minute, offering a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late to alter the outcome.

Throughout the match, goalkeeper Aaryan Sharma and the defensive trio, particularly right defender Elliot Street, who was named player of the match, ensured that Starz’s opportunities were limited. Street’s defensive contributions and ability to support attacks down the right flank were instrumental in maintaining the team’s shape and momentum.

In summary, AFC Wolverhampton City U13 delivered a comprehensive performance at home, blending tactical discipline with attacking verve to secure a convincing 5-1 victory over Starz U13 Girls in this league fixture at Smestow Academy.