In a commanding display, Berks Elite Blues triumphed over Socca U10s (Basingstoke) with a decisive 3-0 scoreline in a friendly match held at The Vyne Community School on 9th June 2025. The match kicked off at 6:00pm, showcasing the young talents of both teams in a thrilling encounter.
The Blues lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, with Theo Tilbury stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive duo comprised Bobbie Seymour and Callum Chaffe, who were tasked with providing a solid backline. In midfield, Oscar Bannister occupied the right flank, while Edison Speed took up the left, with William Reeve centrally positioned to orchestrate play. Up front, Cameron Barr led the attack as the striker, expected to convert chances into goals. The substitutes for the match included Vinnie Kirby, Joseph Hill, a trialist named New, and Oliver Hazzard.
The match began with an explosive start as Cameron Barr opened the scoring just two minutes in, receiving a well-timed assist from Oscar Bannister. The early goal set the tone for the Blues, who quickly doubled their lead when Edison Speed volleyed home from a William Reeve assist just a minute later. The Blues were in full control, and Speed added a third goal in the ninth minute, striking from outside the area after a clever setup by Barr.
Despite their early dominance, the Blues continued to press for more goals. Cameron Barr had a chance to extend the lead further in the seventh minute, but his effort was saved. The attacking momentum continued, with Edison Speed attempting to add to his tally in the 16th minute, only to see his shot go wide.
Defensively, the Blues were equally impressive. Oliver Hazzard made a crucial block in the 18th minute, showcasing the team's commitment to maintaining their clean sheet. As the first half progressed, Theo Tilbury was called into action, making a series of saves, including a full stretch effort in the 22nd minute, demonstrating his agility and shot-stopping ability.
The first half concluded with the score at 3-0, and the Blues made several substitutions at the break. Cameron Barr returned to the pitch, replacing William Reeve, while Oscar Bannister came back on for trialist New. The changes aimed to maintain the team's momentum as they sought to secure their lead.
In the second half, the Blues continued to create opportunities, with Barr testing the Socca U10s' goalkeeper again in the 28th minute, but his shot was saved. The defensive unit remained resolute, with Oliver Hazzard making another interception in the 37th minute to prevent a potential chance for the opposition.
As the match wore on, the Blues made further substitutions, bringing on Joseph Hill for Oscar Bannister and Callum Chaffe for Bobbie Seymour. The fresh legs helped maintain the intensity, and Tilbury was called upon once more, making a parry in the 42nd minute to keep the clean sheet intact.
Edison Speed had a chance to score again in the 43rd minute but missed the target. The final substitution saw Barr return to the pitch, replacing Speed, as the Blues looked to close out the match without conceding.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Berks Elite Blues, who showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the match. This performance will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster as they continue their development in youth football.
