East Grinstead Town faced off against Seagulls U14 in a league away match at Cardinal Newman High School on 27 April 2025, with kick-off at 9:30 am. The match concluded with a convincing 4-1 victory for East Grinstead Town, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the game.
East Grinstead Town lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, a classic setup that emphasises both defensive solidity and attacking width. In goal, Josh Goody provided a reliable presence, while the back four consisted of Mason Terry and Tommy Clarabut as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Adam Bannister and Charlie Walton forming the central defensive partnership. The midfield was structured with Max Dodson on the right, Toby Broughton and Logan Cooney in central roles, and Mason Malone on the left. Up front, Haydon Davis and Harry Goodall were tasked with leading the line, expected to exploit any gaps in the opposition's defence.
The substitutes for East Grinstead Town included Tom Piper, Dexter Sudbury, Tim Greenyner, Louis Mosley, and Bobby Lindsay, ready to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The match began with East Grinstead Town asserting their dominance early on. Just nine minutes in, Haydon Davis opened the scoring with a well-placed shot using his right foot, assisted by Harry Goodall, who had been instrumental in the build-up. This early goal set the tone for the match, as East Grinstead continued to press forward.
Only three minutes later, Max Dodson doubled the lead, finding the net with another right-footed effort from inside the box, again assisted by Goodall, this time with a clever flick that caught the Seagulls' defence off guard. The relentless pressure from East Grinstead was evident, and they were clearly in control.
As the first half progressed, Haydon Davis struck again in the 23rd minute, scoring his second goal of the match with another right-footed shot from inside the box, this time following a short pass from Goodall. The Seagulls were struggling to contain the attacking threat posed by East Grinstead, who were now leading 3-0.
However, the tide shifted slightly when East Grinstead was forced into a substitution due to injury, with Tom Piper coming on for Mason Malone in the 25th minute. The Seagulls took advantage of this momentary disruption, scoring a goal of their own in the 30th minute during a chaotic goalmouth scramble, pulling the score back to 3-1.
Despite this setback, East Grinstead maintained their composure and made further tactical substitutions just before half-time, bringing on Dexter Sudbury for Max Dodson and Tim Greenyner for Mason Terry in the 35th minute. The first half concluded with East Grinstead leading 3-1, a solid advantage but with the Seagulls still in contention.
The second half saw East Grinstead Town continue to assert their dominance. In the 56th minute, Tom Piper, who had just come on, scored a goal with his left foot, converting a well-placed cross from Max Dodson. This goal extended the lead to 4-1, effectively sealing the match for East Grinstead.
Further tactical changes were made as Max Dodson returned to the pitch, replacing Haydon Davis in the 57th minute, followed by Bobby Lindsay coming on for Logan Cooney in the 65th minute. These substitutions were aimed at maintaining the team's momentum and controlling the midfield as the match drew to a close.
East Grinstead Town's performance was marked by their attacking flair and solid defensive work, culminating in a well-deserved 4-1 victory against Seagulls U14. The match showcased the team's potential as they continue their league campaign with confidence.
