On a hot summers day at The Chesham Sports Centre in Lewisham, 24 August 2025, Beckenham Town KYL U15 secured a commanding 5-2 victory against a mixed 11 from Bermondsey JPL & Fisher KYL teams, The match, which kicked off very late, after a somewhat relaxed approach to the schedule from the opposition, showcased the attacking prowess of Beckenham, who controlled the game for the most part, and after a slow, lethargic 2nd and 3rd quarter, it was Beckenham that emerged to sweep their opponent aside in the final stanza.
Beckenham Town, with 6 players unavailable, and Harry O pulling up Injured in the warm, lined up with the less familiar 4-4-1-1 formation, and Lloydy deputising as captain in Harry’s absence. Friend of the team, Max Earwicker stepped in to save us in goal. The back four was Anton at RB, Isiah and Max and the versatile Matei covering in an unfamiliar LB position. Whilst midfield featured Ethan and Turkson out wide, with Adem and Lewis playing central. Dom set up as the No10 to link play and provide support to lone striker, Joe. Only 1 substitute for Beckenham Town, Evangelos Chotza , who was returning from holiday. His presence on the bench would provide additional power and tactical options for the manager as the game unfolded.
The first quarter saw Beckenham Town take control early on, with their attacking intent evident from the outset. They made their early pressure count and quickly broke the deadlock. Winning a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of their area, well within range. Joe Inglis took control, claiming the ball, before thundering home with a curling free kick over the wall and past the giant goalkeeper, Into the left hand corner of the goal.
The first quarter concluded with Beckenham leading comfortably, demonstrating their dominance over Bermondsey/Fisher.
As the teams returned for the second quarter, Beckenham were a little careless in possession. Bermondsey came out with a more aggressive approach, emboldened by their referees lenience towards heavy tackles, and the Beckenham Town midfields increasing hesitancy. We were being drawn into a physical battle with a larger opponent, to our detriment. The oppo began to win the fight in midfield, their star man repeatedly coming away with the ball from 50/50 battles. The Beckenham attackers found their ball supply was drying up.
A sloppy goal conceded by a weak defensive duties and then a 2nd from weak defending at a corner, meant Beckenham Town found themselves 2-1 down at half time, despite being in control of the game for the most part.
Birthday boy Adem Hussein was forced to leave the field after pulling up with a hip muscle injury. Evangelos Chotza came on for his first minutes of pre season.
Despite the score, Beckenham Town remained in control of the game, although not playing well. Untill Turkson Appiah burst into life, linking well with the supporting Anton Legister and Dominic Morgan, repeatedly beating his man out wide, creating numerous chances, before hitting a low cross to the far post for Ethan Sithole to tap in from 5yds.
Evangelos had taken some time to warm up, but was now enforcing his trade mark crunching tackles, much to the enjoyment of his team mates. Beckenham Town once again asserted dominance in midfield and were finding space to receive the ball and play quick passes. Lewis Hayden found a pocket of space, received the ball on the turn and played a perfectly weighted pass over the defenders heads, for Joe Inglis to run on to, before curling the ball up and over the keeper, rekindling memories of his finish in the Kent cup final.
Not long after, the ever dominant Anton Legister made another marauding run, carrying the ball up the right flank, before being cynically hacked down from behind by his increasingly frustrated opponent. It was a nasty foul, but the referee waved “play on” for the advantage. Turkson Appiah pounced on the loose ball, crossing low to Ethan Sithole who with work still to do himself, beat his man on the outside and smashed the ball left footed into the top left hand corner, to make it 4-2 to Beckenham Town.
Beckenham were in complete control of the game now, The attacking players, spearheaded by the lone striker were relentless, and the midfielders supported effectively with quick passes and switches of play, ensuring Bermondsey/Fisher could not contain them. The Beckenham players were enjoying themselves. Bermondsey in contrast, were tired and chasing shadows. With 5 minutes remaining, Beckenham Town further extended their lead with a series of well-executed plays. Lewis Hayden once again received the ball from deep, turned and drove forward before hitting another delightful ball over the defenders head, to Joe Inglis who out-muscled the enormous centre back, cut back inside, bamboozling him with quick footwork, and slotting the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper.
The opposition grew increasingly frustrated with each-other. They tried to reassert themselves physically, but Beckenham Town were wise to it. On the rare occasion Bermondsey/Fisher managed to progress play to wide positions, they were thwarted by the excellent full backs, Anton and Matei. When Bermondsey resorted to hopeful punts up pitch, they were dealt with by the dominant Isiah and Max Lloyd.
The final result was 5-2. After a slow 2nd and 3rd quarter. Beckenham Town finished the game well, for an enjoyable and well deserved win in the sun.
