On 14 September 2025, Billing United U15 hosted Wellingborough Town U15 Lions at Rectory Farm Pocket Park in an 11-a-side cup tie, kicking off at 2:00pm. The home side endured a tough afternoon, ultimately succumbing 4-0 to their visitors after 80 minutes of play plus added time.
Billing United lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Ethan Sharp centrally positioned, flanked by Malaki Worrell on the right and Ethan Hunt on the left. The midfield was packed with five players: Jacob Alexander operated on the right wing, David Ispas, Leo Rigby, and Jacob Ranft occupied central midfield roles, while Eddie Viscu took up the left midfield berth. Up front, the striking duties were shared between Ciaran Standham-Walls on the right and Zip Scrivener on the left. Daniel Juhasz guarded the goal. The substitutes available were Tiyan Bansil, Sonny Manikiza, Harry Wootton, and Joel Poku.
From the outset, Billing United sought to impose themselves, but early signs were mixed. Eddie Viscu was flagged offside in the third minute, halting a promising move. Zip Scrivener’s attempt at goal followed shortly after in the sixth minute but drifted wide of the target. Ciaran Standham-Walls tested the opposition keeper with a shot saved in the eighth minute, while Jacob Alexander’s effort soared high over the bar a minute later.
Despite these early efforts, Wellingborough Town took the lead in the 25th minute with a well-struck right-footed shot from outside the box, leaving Juhasz with no chance. This goal unsettled Billing United, who responded with a substitution two minutes later, bringing on Tiyan Bansil for David Ispas in midfield.
Billing United continued to press, but chances were scarce. Standham-Walls had another shot saved in the 19th minute, and Bansil’s attempt in the 35th minute went high. Eddie Viscu also fired wide in the 39th minute. Further changes came just before half-time, with Sonny Manikiza replacing Leo Rigby, Harry Wootton coming on for Jacob Ranft, and Joel Poku taking over from Malaki Worrell at right defender. The half concluded with Billing United trailing by a goal.
Early in the second half, Billing United made another switch as David Ispas returned to the field, replacing Ciaran Standham-Walls. However, the visitors doubled their advantage in the 48th minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake to score. The home side’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the 67th minute when Wellingborough Town netted a third goal, again following an error at the back.
Billing United sought to regain composure and made further substitutions around the hour mark, with Leo Rigby returning for Sonny Manikiza, Malaki Worrell back on for Harry Wootton, and Jacob Ranft replacing Joel Poku. Despite these changes, the visitors added a fourth goal in the 73rd minute, once more taking advantage of a defensive lapse.
Billing United’s attacking efforts were limited, with Jacob Alexander firing wide in the 69th minute being one of the few notable attempts. The match ended 4-0 in favour of Wellingborough Town U15 Lions, a result that reflected the visitors’ clinical finishing and the home side’s defensive struggles.
Malaki Worrell was named player of the match for his determined performances at right defender, showing resilience despite the heavy defeat. Billing United will need to regroup and address their defensive organisation ahead of their next fixture.
