In a commanding display at The Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium on 27 April 2025, Birtley Town Hawks triumphed over CLS United Lionesses with a resounding 4-0 victory in their cup quarter-final match. The match kicked off at 8:30 am, and the Hawks showcased their attacking prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure throughout the encounter.
Birtley Town Hawks lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, which allowed them to balance defensive stability with attacking flair. Fletcher Tranter took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a trio of defenders: Harrison Younghusband on the right, Ben Routledge in the centre, and Jacob Davison on the left. The midfield was anchored by Seb Davison and Jack McKay, who were tasked with linking play and supporting the forwards. Up front, Kayden Dailey and Isaac Morales operated as right and left forwards, respectively, while Alfie Elmy led the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Walter Johnson, Harry Kean, and Leo Patterson.
The Hawks opened the scoring early in the match, with Alfie Elmy finding the net in the 9th minute. Following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Elmy managed to poke the ball home from close range using his right foot, giving Birtley a crucial early lead.
As the match progressed, the Hawks made a trio of substitutions in the 17th minute, bringing on Harry Kean for Jacob Davison, Leo Patterson for Isaac Morales, and Walter Johnson for Seb Davison. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the squad and maintain their momentum.
The first half continued with Birtley in control, and they reached the half-time mark with a 1-0 advantage. Shortly after the restart, in the 31st minute, Harry Kean doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from outside the box, following a through ball from Leo Patterson. The Hawks were now firmly in the driving seat.
Just six minutes later, in the 37th minute, Isaac Morales added a third goal for Birtley, tapping in from close range after another (sweaty) assist from Patterson, who was proving to be a key playmaker.
The Hawks were relentless, and in the 42nd minute, Harry Kean struck again, scoring his second goal of the match. This time, he found the net from inside the box, once again benefitting from a precise through ball from Leo Patterson.
As the match approached the final stages, Birtley made further substitutions, bringing on Kayden Dailey for Leo Patterson, Jack McKay for Walter Johnson, and Alfie Elmy for Harry Kean, all in the 42nd minute. The Hawks continued to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.
In the 50th minute, Walter Johnson replaced Ben Routledge, while Harry Kean returned to the pitch for Harrison Younghusband, and Leo Patterson came back on for Isaac Morales. These tactical adjustments allowed Birtley to maintain their stronghold on the match as they sought to add to their tally.
Despite their efforts, CLS United Lionesses were unable to find a way back into the game, and the match concluded with Birtley Town Hawks securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory. The performance of Fletcher Tranter in goal, along with the standout displays from Harry Kean and Leo Patterson, ensured that the Hawks progressed confidently to the cup semi-final.
