On 29 June 2025, Birtley Town Hawks faced off against Washington AFC Whites in a thrilling friendly match held at Redheugh FC. The contest ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, showcasing a flurry of goals and intense competition over the course of 60 minutes.
Birtley Town Hawks lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Kayde Boothe took his position as the goalkeeper, while Ben Routledge, Harrison Younghusband, and Quinn formed a sturdy back three. The midfield trio consisted of Kayden Dailey on the right, Harry Morrison in the centre, and Jack Evans on the left, providing both width and creativity. Up front, Isaac Morales and Noah Hodgson were tasked with leading the line as forwards, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition. The substitutes for the match included Alfie Elmy and Harry Kean.
The match kicked off with an explosive start, as Kayden Dailey opened the scoring for Birtley Town Hawks just two minutes in, unleashing a stunning strike from distance after receiving an assist from Noah Hodgson. The early goal set the tone for an action-packed encounter.
Only three minutes later, the Hawks doubled their lead when Noah Hodgson found the back of the net, courtesy of a clever assist from Dailey. With the score at 2-0, Birtley appeared to be in control, but Washington AFC Whites were not to be underestimated.
In the 15th minute, Birtley made their first substitutions, bringing on Alfie Elmy for Hodgson and Harry Kean for Quinn. These changes aimed to maintain momentum while introducing fresh legs into the game.
Washington AFC Whites responded to the early pressure by scoring their first goal in the 21st minute, narrowing the deficit and igniting their hopes of a comeback. The match continued to ebb and flow, and in the 27th minute, Kayden Dailey struck again, restoring Birtley’s two-goal advantage with a well-placed shot.
As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 3-1 in favour of Birtley Town Hawks. The teams headed into the break with the Hawks looking to consolidate their lead, while Washington sought to regroup and devise a plan for the second half.
The second half saw further tactical adjustments, with Jack Evans replacing Harry Morrison and Kayden Dailey coming on for Isaac Morales in the 39th minute. These substitutions aimed to bolster Birtley’s midfield and maintain their attacking threat.
However, Washington AFC Whites came out with renewed vigour and struck back in the 57th minute, scoring their second goal and bringing the score to 3-2. The momentum shifted dramatically, and just moments later, in the 60th minute, Washington completed their comeback with a third goal, equalising the match at 3-3.
The final whistle blew, leaving both teams to reflect on a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience and determination of both sides. Kayden Dailey was undoubtedly the standout performer, contributing significantly to Birtley’s attacking play and earning recognition as the player of the match. The friendly served as an exciting prelude to the upcoming season, with both teams demonstrating their potential and areas for improvement.
