Billing United U15 hosted Byfield Tigers U15 Athletic at Rectory Farm Open Space on 7 September 2025, with kick-off at 2:00pm in an 80-minute league encounter. The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils after an entertaining contest.
Billing United lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Oscar Rayner on the right, Ethan Sharp centrally, and Ethan Hunt on the left. Their midfield five consisted of Tiyan Bansil on the right wing, David Ispas, Leo Rigby, and Jacob Ranft occupying central midfield roles, and Eddie Viscu on the left flank. Upfront, the strike partnership featured Ciaran Standham-Walls on the right and Zip Scrivener on the left. The goalkeeper was Daniel Juhasz. This setup demanded a solid defensive base, with the wing midfielders expected to provide width and support both defence and attack, while the central midfield trio aimed to control possession and create chances for the forwards. The substitutes available were Malaki Worrell, Sonny Manikiza, Joel Poku, and Harry (Trial).
From the outset, Billing United showed intent, with Tiyan Bansil testing the waters early on with a wide attempt in the second minute. Just seven minutes later, the home side took the lead as Zip Scrivener found the net, expertly assisted by Leo Rigby’s precise delivery. This early goal set the tone for a lively first half.
Billing United continued to press, with Ciaran Standham-Walls coming close on several occasions. At the tenth minute, his effort sailed high over the bar, and eight minutes later he struck the crossbar, narrowly missing a second goal. He remained a constant threat, forcing a save from the opposition goalkeeper in the 19th minute. Meanwhile, Leo Rigby and Zip Scrivener both had attempts wide of the target in quick succession, as the home side looked to extend their advantage.
The match saw a tactical change in the 24th minute when Malaki Worrell replaced David Ispas, signalling a shift in midfield dynamics. Despite Billing United’s dominance in possession and chances, Byfield Tigers pulled one back in the 39th minute, capitalising on a rare opportunity to level the scores just before the break.
The teams went into the interval locked at 1-1, setting up an intriguing second half. Early in the second period, Billing United made another substitution as Sonny Manikiza came on for Malaki Worrell in the 53rd minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
Attempts continued to come from Billing United, with Leo Rigby, Tiyan Bansil, and Eddie Viscu all firing wide between the 56th and 59th minutes. However, Byfield Tigers struck again in the 59th minute to take the lead, turning the match on its head and forcing the home side to respond.
Billing United did not relent, and their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Ciaran Standham-Walls restored parity, finishing off a move expertly set up by Jacob Ranft. This goal reignited the home crowd and gave the hosts renewed belief.
Shortly after, Billing United made a double substitution in the 67th minute, bringing on Joel Poku for Eddie Viscu and Harry (Trial) for Tiyan Bansil, refreshing their wide areas and midfield options. Despite further efforts from Ciaran Standham-Walls, including a wide shot in the 72nd minute, the home side struggled to find a winner.
In the 73rd minute, David Ispas returned to the field, replacing Zip Scrivener, as Billing United sought to maintain their attacking impetus until the final whistle. Despite their efforts, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match concluded at 2-2.
Leo Rigby’s influential performance in midfield earned him the player of the match accolade, reflecting his pivotal role in both creating and supporting attacking moves throughout the game. The draw leaves Billing United with a hard-fought point in a competitive league fixture, demonstrating resilience and attacking intent against a strong Byfield Tigers side.
