In a commanding display at Apex Playing Fields on 18 May 2025, Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites triumphed over Hawkwell Athletic Y U14 Blacks with a resounding 6-0 victory in their cup away match. The match kicked off at 9:30 am, and the Whites showcased their attacking prowess throughout the encounter, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.
Bowers & Pitsea lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Stanley Martin-Gardener took his position in goal, with a back three comprising Oliver Norton in the centre flanked by James Holgate on the right and Sebastian Cenciu on the left. The midfield was anchored by Cory Jennings and Marcus Stanbury in central roles, while Benjamine Smith and Luca Cepoi operated as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Mattie Bristow and Lewis Baber played as right and left forwards, supporting the central striker, Harry Fairchild. The substitutes for the match included Oliver Wakeling, Jack McCullim, Marvellous Nbubueze, Freddy Partner, and Rhys Hughes.
The match began with an early setback for Bowers & Pitsea as Benjamine Smith had to be substituted due to injury in the 7th minute, with Oliver Wakeling coming on to replace him. Despite this disruption, the Whites quickly found their rhythm. In the 12th minute, Stanley Martin-Gardener made a crucial point-blank reaction save, demonstrating his agility and alertness in goal. Just a minute later, Bowers & Pitsea took the lead when Mattie Bristow scored a well-executed goal, tapping in from close range after a long pass from Cory Jennings set up the move.
As the match progressed, Bowers & Pitsea continued to assert their dominance. In the 14th minute, Jack McCullim was introduced for Cory Jennings, who had also sustained an injury. The Whites doubled their lead in the 22nd minute when Oliver Wakeling scored a simple tap-in, showcasing the team's ability to capitalise on close-range opportunities.
The first half concluded with Bowers & Pitsea leading 2-0, and they made several tactical substitutions at the start of the second half. James Holgate was replaced by Rhys Hughes, and Luca Cepoi made way for Freddy Partner, both changes aimed at maintaining the team's momentum. In the 39th minute, Harry Fairchild returned to the pitch, replacing Oliver Wakeling, who had made a significant impact.
Fairchild wasted no time in making his mark, scoring a penalty just before half-time in the 40th minute, extending the lead to 3-0. The second half saw further substitutions, with Cory Jennings coming back on for Oliver Norton in the 48th minute, and the Whites continued to press forward.
In the 55th minute, Marvellous Nbubueze scored the fourth goal, assisted by Rhys Hughes, who delivered a long pass that allowed Nbubueze to find the net from inside the box. The Whites were relentless, and in the 64th minute, Fairchild struck again, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Lewis Baber, bringing the score to 5-0.
The final goal of the match came in the 69th minute when Lewis Baber added his name to the scoresheet, scoring with his left foot from inside the box. The match concluded with Bowers & Pitsea U14 Whites securing a comprehensive 6-0 victory, demonstrating their attacking flair and solid teamwork throughout the encounter. Harry Fairchild's performance was particularly noteworthy, earning him the Player of the Match accolade for his contributions in scoring a brace.
