In a commanding display, BAC/EE Preston JFC U15 Blue secured a resounding 7-0 victory over Euxton Villa U15 Black in their league encounter at Archbishop Temple High on 10 April 2025. The match kicked off at 6:15pm, and the home side demonstrated their dominance throughout the 80 minutes of play.
Euxton Villa lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, designed to bolster their midfield presence while allowing for a lone striker to lead the attack. Adam Tucker took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Alex Howarth on the right, Colin Plewa and Jack Shirley in central defence, and Zak Whalley on the left. The midfield trio featured Ethan Bingham, Freddie Beanland, and Harry Clarke centrally, with Lucas Harvey and Casper Pilar operating as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, William Murray was tasked with spearheading the attack. The substitutes available were Jayden Moffatt, Oliver Gardner, Roman Taylor, and Luke Whelan.
The match began with an early attempt from Harry Clarke, who fired high just a minute in, signalling Euxton Villa's intent. However, it was Adam Tucker who was called into action shortly after, making a remarkable point-blank reaction save in the fourth minute to deny the opposition. Unfortunately for Euxton Villa, the breakthrough came in the ninth minute when BAC/EE Preston JFC struck first, scoring with a right-footed effort.
William Murray sought to respond for Euxton Villa, but his attempts in the 11th and 15th minutes were thwarted, the latter saved comfortably by the opposition goalkeeper. Casper Pilar nearly equalised in the 12th minute, hitting the post with a powerful shot that left the crowd gasping. However, the visitors' struggles continued as they conceded again in the 26th minute due to a defensive mistake, allowing BAC/EE Preston to double their lead with a left-footed shot.
The home side's momentum was relentless, and they added a third goal in the 33rd minute, converting from inside the box with another right-footed strike. Just three minutes later, they capitalised on a defensive lapse once more, scoring their fourth goal before the half-time whistle blew.
At the interval, Euxton Villa made tactical changes, bringing on Oliver Gardner for Ethan Bingham and Jayden Moffatt for Zak Whalley, hoping to inject fresh energy into their performance. However, the second half began with a foul from Harry Clarke, who was penalised for a push in the 49th minute.
The substitutions continued as Roman Taylor replaced Freddie Beanland and Luke Whelan came on for Lucas Harvey, but the changes did little to stem the tide. William Murray's efforts were again in vain as he shot wide in the 54th minute. Adam Tucker, despite the scoreline, was still making crucial saves, including another point-blank reaction save in the 56th minute.
BAC/EE Preston JFC extended their lead further in the 57th minute with a fifth goal from inside the box, followed by a stunning direct free-kick that found the back of the net in the 60th minute, bringing the score to 6-0. The visitors were struggling to contain the relentless attack, and a high tackle from Zak Whalley in the 62nd minute further compounded their woes.
As the match approached its final stages, Adam Tucker showcased his skills once more with a full-stretch save in the 70th minute, but the onslaught continued. BAC/EE Preston JFC were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute, which they converted, sealing a comprehensive 7-0 victory.
Due to an injury sustained in the penalty Adam Tucker was substituted off and William Murray took over in goal, this found Lucas Harvey returning to the pitch in place of Murray up front. Despite the heavy defeat, Harry Clarke's performance stood out, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match.
