Billing United U12 hosted Bugbrooke St.Michael U12 at Great Billing Pocket Park on 28 September 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a 9-a-side cup match. The contest ended in a 1-1 draw after 60 minutes of regular time, with both sides sharing the spoils in a tightly fought encounter.
Billing United lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, deploying three defenders, two central midfielders, and three forwards. Jackson Pearce took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper. The defensive trio consisted of Gerrard Afum Tutu at right defender, Damaree Alexander centrally, and Oscar Nawrocki on the left. In midfield, Logan Lynch and Isaac Finn operated centrally, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Up front, Leighton Fletcher featured on the right forward position, Layton Dewar led as the central striker, and Ergi Ruka Biraku occupied the left forward role. The substitutes available were Oscar Luck, Justin Juszynski, and Cohen Adams.
Isaac Finn tested the opposition goalkeeper with an early attempt in the second minute, which was well saved. Gerrard Afum Tutu was replaced by Justin Juszynski in the ninth minute, signalling a shift in the defensive setup.
Justin Juszynski had a chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute but his effort went wide. Shortly after, a flurry of substitutions saw Oscar Luck replace Leighton Fletcher, while Gerrard Afum Tutu came back on for Ergi Ruka Biraku, reshuffling the forward and defensive lines. Jackson Pearce was called into action in the 22nd minute, making a crucial save to keep the scores level.
Oscar Luck’s influence grew as he fired wide in the 28th minute, showing his intent to make an impact after his reintroduction. The half concluded with Pearce again demonstrating his goalkeeping prowess, making a vital stop just before the break. At half-time, the score remained 0-0.
The second half saw Cohen Adams come on for Logan Lynch at the 31st minute, injecting fresh energy into midfield. Justin Juszynski’s shot in the 33rd minute was saved, followed by a similar fate for Layton Dewar’s effort three minutes later. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Oscar Luck headed home from a corner expertly delivered by Justin Juszynski, giving Billing United the lead.
Shortly after, both sides continued to press with attempts from Justin Juszynski and Oscar Luck, the former’s effort sailing high and the latter’s shot saved by the opposition keeper. Layton Dewar was replaced by Leighton Fletcher in the 41st minute, restoring Fletcher to the forward line. Despite several further attempts by Oscar Luck, including shots saved and one that went high, the visitors remained resolute.
Bugbrooke St.Michael equalised in the 50th minute with a headed goal, mirroring the manner in which Billing United had scored. This goal injected fresh urgency into the match. Oscar Luck continued to press, but his shot was saved in the 51st minute. Isaac Finn’s wide effort in the 57th minute and Justin Juszynski’s high attempt at the 60th minute kept the pressure on, but neither side could find a winner.
The match extended beyond the 60-minute mark, with Oscar Luck’s late wide shot in the 64th minute marking one of the final notable efforts. Despite Billing United’s persistent attacking play, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Jackson Pearce was named player of the match for his consistent and commanding goalkeeping display, which kept Billing United in the contest throughout. Both teams showed determination and skill in a competitive cup tie at Great Billing Pocket Park.
