In a commanding display, Euxton Villa U15 Black secured a 3-0 victory against Musselburgh Windsor CFC Reds U15 in a tournament match held at the Poolfoot Training Complex in Thornton on 4 May 2025. The match kicked off at 12:00pm and showcased the home side's attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation.
Euxton Villa lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a balanced approach between defence and attack. Louis Grant took his position in goal, while the back four consisted of Jack Shirley and Jamie Catterall as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Zak Whalley and Colin Plewa forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Lucas Harvey operated on the right, with Junior Cummins and Adam Tucker in central roles, and Roman Taylor on the left. Up front, Oliver Gardner and Ethan Bingham were tasked with leading the line as forwards. The formation aimed to provide width through the flanks while ensuring a solid core in the middle of the park.
The substitutes for Euxton Villa included William Murray and Harley Ashton, who were poised to make an impact from the bench as the match progressed.
The match began with an early attempt from Oliver Gardner in the 8th minute, but his shot was saved, signalling Euxton Villa's intent to dominate. Just three minutes later, Ethan Bingham opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a long pass from Adam Tucker inside the box to give his side a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued as Bingham tested the Musselburgh goalkeeper again shortly after, but his effort was saved in the 12th minute.
Roman Taylor and Junior Cummins also had attempts in the 13th minute, both of which were thwarted by the opposition's defence. Lucas Harvey found himself in an offside position in the 15th minute due to a lapse in concentration, but the home side remained undeterred.
Ethan Bingham struck again in the 20th minute, this time lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper after receiving a long pass from Louis Grant, extending the lead to 2-0. Tactical substitutions began in the 22nd minute, with William Murray replacing Junior Cummins, followed by Harley Ashton coming on for Adam Tucker. Adam Tucker re-entered the fray in the 27th minute, taking the place of Colin Plewa.
Despite a flurry of attempts from Bingham, who had another shot saved in the 28th minute, the home side continued to press. Zak Whalley was controversially flagged offside in the 29th minute, a decision that was deemed incorrect as he was well positioned. Roman Taylor committed a foul for holding in the 31st minute, but it did not result in a penalty for the visitors.
The breakthrough for Euxton Villa came in the 32nd minute when Harley Ashton scored from close range, assisted by a short pass from William Murray, making it 3-0. The first half concluded with Euxton Villa firmly in control, leading 3-0 at the break.
As the second half commenced, Zak Whalley found himself offside again in the 42nd minute due to a mistimed run, but the home side's defence remained resolute, ensuring that Musselburgh Windsor CFC Reds U15 could not find a way back into the match.
Euxton Villa's performance was characterised by their attacking flair and disciplined defending, culminating in a well-deserved victory that showcased their potential in the tournament.
