Ezra FC welcomed Burnley to Royton on the morning of 5 October 2025 for a highly competitive league five-a-side encounter, kicking off promptly at 10:00am. The match concluded with Ezra FC triumphing 3-1 in front of a lively crowd of 14,000 spectators after 90 minutes plus added time.
Ezra FC lined up in a 1-1-2 formation, a setup well-suited to the fast-paced, small-sided format. Joseph Chamberlain took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. Binyamin Majidi operated as the central defender, anchoring the backline and providing defensive solidity. In midfield, Ezra Wynn was deployed centrally, expected to link defence and attack, orchestrate play and contribute offensively. Up front, the right forward role was filled by Eddie Stusinski-Mason, while the left forward position was initially occupied by Hattie Stusinski-Marsh. The forwards were charged with stretching Burnley’s defence and creating scoring opportunities. On the bench, Theo Francis was named as the sole substitute available to Ezra FC.
The match began with Ezra FC asserting early control, and it was no surprise when the opening goal came in the 12th minute. Binyamin Majidi’s precise assist set up Ezra Wynn, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the area to give the hosts the lead. The goal showcased Wynn’s technical ability and Majidi’s vision, setting the tone for the contest.
Just nine minutes later, tactical adjustments came into play as Theo Francis replaced Hattie Stusinski-Marsh in the 21st minute. This substitution appeared to inject fresh impetus into Ezra FC’s attack. Francis quickly justified his introduction by netting a spectacular long-range strike in the 25th minute, doubling Ezra FC’s advantage and putting Burnley on the back foot.
The first half ended with Ezra FC comfortably ahead at 2-0, having controlled much of the play and limited Burnley’s chances. Burnley, however, remained resolute and looked to mount a comeback in the second period.
Burnley managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute, breaking through Ezra FC’s defensive line to reduce the deficit to 2-1. This goal injected renewed urgency into the visitors’ play and threatened to shift momentum.
Despite Burnley’s efforts, Ezra FC held firm and sealed the victory deep into injury time. In the 96th minute, Ezra Wynn once again proved decisive, this time with a direct free-kick that curled beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. This late strike effectively ended Burnley’s hopes of a comeback and confirmed a 3-1 win for Ezra FC.
Throughout the match, Joseph Chamberlain’s presence in goal was steady, while Binyamin Majidi’s defensive contributions and assist were vital. The midfield dynamism and goal-scoring prowess of Ezra Wynn were pivotal in securing the result. Eddie Stusinski-Mason and the forwards worked tirelessly to create space and opportunities, with Theo Francis’s introduction proving a key tactical masterstroke.
Ezra FC’s 1-1-2 formation proved effective in balancing defensive responsibility and attacking threat, allowing them to dominate possession and convert chances efficiently. The tactical substitution and set-piece execution ultimately made the difference in this tightly contested league fixture at Royton.
