On 21 September 2025, Billing United U12 travelled to Islip Playing Field to face Rushden & Diamonds U12 Falcons in a 9-a-side league away fixture, kicking off at 10:30am. The match concluded with a convincing 5-2 victory for Billing United, showcasing a spirited and attacking performance throughout the 60 minutes plus added time.
Billing United lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, deploying three defenders at the back, two central midfielders, and a front three tasked with creating and converting chances. Jackson Pearce guarded the goal, supported by Ergi Ruka Biraku at right defender, Damaree Alexander centrally, and Oscar Nawrocki on the left. The midfield duo of Logan Lynch and Isaac Finn were expected to control the centre of the park, linking defence and attack. Up front, the right forward role was occupied by Justin Juszynski, the striker role by Oscar Luck, and Leighton Fletcher took up the left forward position. The substitutes available were Gerrard Afum Tutu, Jermel Williams, and Layton Dewar.
The match began with Billing United pressing forward early, Oscar Luck testing the Rushden & Diamonds goalkeeper with a shot saved in the 10th minute. However, the visitors were caught out five minutes later when Rushden & Diamonds capitalised on a close-range header to take the lead. This setback prompted an early tactical change as Gerrard Afum Tutu replaced Ergi Ruka Biraku at right defender in the 15th minute, aiming to shore up the defence.
Further adjustments followed with Jermel Williams and Layton Dewar coming on for Logan Lynch and Leighton Fletcher respectively in the 21st minute, signalling a shift to inject fresh energy into midfield and attack. The changes paid immediate dividends as Jermel Williams scored his first goal for Billing United in the 22nd minute, neatly finishing inside the box after a short pass from Oscar Luck.
Jackson Pearce was called into action moments later, producing a vital point-blank reaction save to keep the scores level. Billing United continued to press, with Oscar Luck hitting the post in the 29th minute, demonstrating his threat in front of goal. The first half ended on a high note for Billing United as Oscar Luck headed home from a corner delivered by Justin Juszynski, restoring the lead just before the break.
The second half saw a moment of controversy when Jackson Pearce conceded a penalty for a trip in the 40th minute, which Rushden & Diamonds converted with a precise right-footed strike to equalise once more. Undeterred, Billing United responded swiftly; Justin Juszynski put the visitors back in front in the 47th minute, expertly finishing inside the box following a long pass from Oscar Luck.
Isaac Finn extended the advantage in the 51st minute with a stunning strike from outside the area, firing home with his right foot to make it 4-2. Substitutions continued as Logan Lynch and Leighton Fletcher returned to the pitch in place of Isaac Finn and Layton Dewar respectively in the 57th minute, aiming to maintain the momentum.
Despite several attempts on goal from Leighton Fletcher and Oscar Luck in the closing stages, including two saves by the Rushden & Diamonds goalkeeper, Billing United sealed the victory in the 61st minute. Jermel Williams scored his second goal of the match inside the box, assisted by Gerrard Afum Tutu, rounding off a dominant performance.
Jermel Williams was deservedly named player of the match after his impactful introduction and crucial goals that helped secure the win. Billing United’s tactical flexibility, combined with clinical finishing and resilient goalkeeping from Jackson Pearce, ensured a memorable triumph on the road.
