Euxton Villa U16 Black travelled to Fulwood Academy on 14 September 2025 for an 11-a-side league away fixture against Longsands JFC U16, kicking off at 11:00am. The match concluded with Euxton Villa securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory, courtesy of a second-half goal. Referee Isaac Roberts oversaw the 80-minute contest, which saw tactical adjustments and disciplined defending from the visitors.
Euxton Villa lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity with a lone holding midfielder shielding the back four, while allowing four attacking midfielders to support the lone striker. Adam Tucker took his place in goal, protected by a defensive line comprising Alex Howarth at right back, Frank Cooper and Louis Grant as central defenders, and Finlay Mann on the left. Jack Shirley operated as the central defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, Roman Taylor occupied the right attacking midfield position, Ollie Bamber and Ethan Bingham played centrally as attacking midfielders, and Archie Finch took up the left attacking midfield role. Leading the line was Oliver Gardner as the sole striker, expected to spearhead attacks and convert chances. The substitutes available were Lucas Harvey, Atawullah Ehsani and Colin Plewa.
The match began with an early setback for Euxton Villa when Roman Taylor was forced off injured after just seven minutes, replaced promptly by Lucas Harvey. Despite this disruption, the visitors settled into their shape and began probing Longsands’ defence. As the first half progressed, both sides created opportunities but found the opposing goalkeepers in fine form. Ethan Bingham tested the Longsands keeper with a shot saved just before the break, while Lucas Harvey’s attempt went wide, illustrating Euxton’s growing threat.
Half-time arrived with the score goalless, but the break saw immediate tactical changes from Euxton Villa. Jack Shirley was withdrawn in favour of Atawullah Ehsani to inject fresh energy into midfield, while Roman Taylor returned to the pitch, replacing striker Oliver Gardner. This reshuffle aimed to bolster attacking options and maintain control in the middle of the park.
The tactical switch paid dividends almost instantly. Just two minutes into the second half, Euxton Villa won a corner which Roman Taylor delivered with precision. Frank Cooper rose highest inside the box to head home the decisive goal, giving the visitors a crucial lead. This moment proved pivotal, as Longsands struggled to respond effectively.
Euxton continued to press, with Archie Finch forcing a save from the Longsands goalkeeper shortly after the goal. However, the match grew increasingly physical, and Frank Cooper was cautioned for a bad tackle midway through the second half, reflecting the intensity of the contest. Colin Plewa came on straight after this to replace Alex Howarth as right back, and to give some fresh legs into the defensive line. Towards the end Longsands also received a yellow card late on for unsporting behaviour, underscoring the competitive nature of the fixture.
With time running down, Euxton made a final tactical substitution, bringing back Jack Shirley to replace left back Finlay Mann, who was starting to struggle with an eye injury and to shore up the defence to protect their slender lead. Archie Finch had a late chance that went wide, but the visitors held firm to secure all three points.
Frank Cooper’s commanding defensive display and crucial headed goal earned him the player of the match accolade, highlighting his vital contribution both at the back and in attack. Euxton Villa’s disciplined performance and effective tactical adjustments ensured a narrow but deserved victory on the road against Longsands JFC U16.
