Irlam Vale Tigers U10 travelled to Beeches Playing Fields on 13 September 2025 for a league away match against Penlake U10 Athletic, kicking off promptly at 12:00pm. The seven-a-side encounter saw the Tigers dominate proceedings to secure a commanding 7-2 victory over their opponents in a 50-minute contest.
Deploying a 2-3-1 formation, Irlam Vale Tigers set up with Bobby Thorne as goalkeeper, supported by central defenders Lexie Hobson and Libbie Mae Burrows. The midfield trio consisted of Aleksander Sroczkowski on the left, Victor Ciolek centrally, and Kian Koch on the right, tasked with both defensive duties and providing attacking support. Leading the line was striker Emily Stark-Izzo, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances created by the midfield. The substitutes named for the match were Alfie Kirwan, Damien Dougherty, Faith Collinge, and Ruby Bates.
The match began at a frenetic pace with Irlam Vale Tigers asserting early dominance. Within four minutes, Emily Stark-Izzo capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to slot home a close-range opener, setting the tone for the Tigers’ attacking intent. As the game progressed, Victor Ciolek demonstrated his influence in midfield by scoring inside the box in the 12th minute, doubling the Tigers’ lead and showcasing his ability to arrive in dangerous positions.
Shortly after, tactical changes saw two substitutions at the 15-minute mark. Alfie Kirwan replaced Emily Stark-Izzo up front, while Damien Dougherty came on for right midfielder Kian Koch, signalling a shift in personnel to maintain the team’s momentum. This proved effective as just two minutes later, Kirwan assisted Victor Ciolek’s close-range tap-in following a precise cross, extending the lead to 3-0.
Irlam Vale Tigers continued to press, and in the 22nd minute, Victor Ciolek returned the favour by setting up Alfie Kirwan with a short pass inside the box. Kirwan expertly finished with his right foot from close range, making it 4-0. The first half concluded at the 25-minute mark with the Tigers firmly in control.
Early in the second half, Faith Collinge was introduced for left midfielder Aleksander Sroczkowski at the 26th minute, reinforcing the midfield line. Kirwan remained influential, scoring again in the 33rd minute with a deft lob inside the box, assisted once more by Victor Ciolek’s short pass. The Tigers’ relentless attacking play was further rewarded in the 36th minute when Victor Ciolek netted his third goal of the match, again from inside the box, underlining his central role in the team’s offensive efforts.
Penlake U10 Athletic managed to pull one back in the 40th minute via a penalty, converted with a right-footed finish from close range, providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, Irlam Vale Tigers responded swiftly with tactical substitutions: Aleksander Sroczkowski returned to replace Victor Ciolek, and Ruby Bates came on for central defender Lexie Hobson, aiming to refresh the squad and maintain defensive solidity.
The Tigers restored their cushion in the 46th minute when Aleksander Sroczkowski scored inside the box, assisted by Alfie Kirwan, who continued to impress with his creativity and link-up play. Penlake U10 Athletic scored again in the 47th minute, but it was too little too late as Irlam Vale Tigers comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
Overall, the 2-3-1 formation allowed Irlam Vale Tigers to control the midfield and create numerous scoring opportunities, with Victor Ciolek and Alfie Kirwan standing out for their goal contributions and assists. Bobby Thorne’s presence in goal and the defensive work of Lexie Hobson and Libbie Mae Burrows provided a solid foundation throughout. The substitutes made timely impacts, helping to maintain the team’s dominance until the final whistle.
Irlam Vale Tigers U10’s emphatic 7-2 victory at Beeches Playing Fields will boost their confidence as they continue their league campaign, demonstrating a potent attacking force combined with effective tactical adjustments.
