Christchurch FC Panthers Edge Thrilling 5-3 Win Over Holt United Youth U16 Colts
⚽ Result
Christchurch FC Panthers 5
Holt United Youth U16 Colt 3
🏆 Competition
Dorset Youth Football League Under 16's Mixed - Division 1
Home league match
📅 When
Sunday, 29 March 2026
📍 Venue
GLENMOOR AND WINTON ACADEMIES (Home)
Christchurch FC Panthers hosted Holt United Youth U16 Colts at Glenmoor and Winton Academies on 29 March 2026, with kick-off at 2:00pm in a pulsating league encounter. The Panthers emerged victorious in an eight-goal thriller, prevailing 5-3 after a fiercely contested 80 minutes plus added time.
Christchurch lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Jack Orchard in goal behind a back four comprising Dominik Chudy at right back, Finley Everett and George Adlem as central defenders, and Rafael Maggiora at left back. The double pivot in midfield featured Kian Sinclair and James Adams tasked with both defensive cover and linking play. Ahead of them, Thomas Hunt operated on the right wing, Henri Day occupied the central attacking midfield role, and Emilio Parandian took up the left attacking midfield position, all supporting lone striker Daniel Goodson. The formation was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity, expecting the wide midfielders and central playmaker to supply the striker and create scoring opportunities.
On the bench, Jamie Moore and Aaron Scullion were named as substitutes, ready to influence the match as it unfolded.
The game burst into life early on as Henri Day opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Daniel Goodson provided a neat short pass inside the box, allowing Day to finish clinically and give the Panthers an early lead. However, Holt United Youth responded strongly, levelling in the 18th minute with a composed finish inside the box. The visitors then took the lead in the 26th minute from a direct free-kick, demonstrating their set-piece threat.
As the first half progressed, Christchurch made a double tactical substitution on the stroke of half-time. Despite these changes, Holt United Youth struck again just before the break, scoring another direct free-kick in the 43rd minute to extend their advantage.
Christchurch refused to be deflated and pulled one back immediately before the interval. In the 45th minute, James Adams rose highest to meet a corner from Emilio Parandian, heading the ball powerfully into the net to reduce the deficit. The momentum swung further in the Panthers’ favour early in the second half when substitute Jamie Moore scored in the 47th minute, finishing off a short pass from Adams inside the box to level the scores.
The Panthers then took control of the match as the second half wore on. Henri Day struck again in the 66th minute, this time converting a cross from Emilio Parandian inside the box to restore the lead. Just four minutes later, Moore doubled his tally, finishing from a cross delivered by Day, again inside the box, to put Christchurch firmly ahead.
The match was a showcase of attacking football from both sides, but Christchurch’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved decisive. Jamie Moore’s impact off the bench was particularly notable, earning him the player of the match accolade for his two crucial goals that helped turn the game around.
Referee Mark Pepin officiated the match with authority and consistency, his performance rated highly at 95, ensuring the game flowed despite the intensity and numerous goalmouth incidents.
In front of 26 spectators, Christchurch FC Panthers secured a memorable 5-3 victory over Holt United Youth U16 Colts, a result that will boost their confidence as the league campaign progresses.
