On a bright morning at Billing United's home ground on 23 August 2025, the U12 side faced off against Earls Barton U11 Green in a friendly match that ended with a scoreline of 3-2 in favour of the home team. The match kicked off at 10:00 am and provided an exhilarating display of youth football, showcasing skill, determination, and tactical awareness from both sides.
Billing United adopted a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed for a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Jackson Pearce stood guard in goal, while Gerrard Afum Tutu, Damaree Alexander, and Cohen Adams formed a resolute back three. In midfield, Logan Lynch and Jermel Williams operated centrally, tasked with linking defence and attack, while Leighton Fletcher and Layton Dewar provided width as right and left forwards, respectively. Up front, Ergi Ruka Biraku was the focal point of the attack, looking to convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Billing United included Justin Juszynski, Oscar Luck, and Oscar Nawrocki, who would later play pivotal roles in the match as the game unfolded.
The match began with an explosive start as Jermel Williams opened the scoring for Billing United just two minutes in, showcasing his attacking prowess with a well-placed shot that found the back of the net. The early goal set the tone for an action-packed encounter, with Billing United looking to build on their lead.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged possession, but it was Billing United who struck again in the 22nd minute. Following a swift counter-attack, Justin Juszynski, who had just come on as a substitute, scored with an assist from Oscar Luck, doubling the home side's advantage.
However, Earls Barton responded quickly, pulling one back in the 27th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. The first half concluded with a score of 2-1 in favour of Billing United, leaving the match finely poised.
The second half commenced with Earls Barton continuing to apply pressure, and they found an equaliser just a minute after the restart, making it 2-2. This goal injected a sense of urgency into the game, as both teams sought to gain the upper hand.
In the 43rd minute, Billing United regained the lead through Oscar Luck, who scored with an assist from Oscar Nawrocki, sending the home crowd into raptures. The goal was a testament to the team's resilience and attacking flair, as they fought back to take control once more.
As the match entered its final stages, substitutions were made to refresh the team. Layton Dewar was replaced by Logan Lynch in the 56th minute, followed by Jermel Williams making way for Leighton Fletcher in the 58th minute. In a late tactical switch, Jermel Williams returned to the pitch for Ergi Ruka Biraku in the 61st minute, as Billing United sought to maintain their slender lead.
Despite a spirited effort from Earls Barton, Billing United held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. The match showcased the talent and potential of both teams, with standout performances from Gerrard Afum Tutu and Damaree Alexander, who were instrumental in their team's success. The friendly served as an excellent opportunity for the young players to develop their skills and gain valuable match experience as they continue their footballing journey.
