On 5th October 2025, Malet Vikings U18 welcomed Longhill Ravens U18 to their home ground for a cup tie kicking off at 10:15am. The Vikings produced a commanding display to secure an emphatic 8-1 victory in front of 30 spectators, with the referee overseeing proceedings with notable authority.
Malet Vikings lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Ashton Cooke-Hill on the right, Riley Baker centrally, and Oli Thompson on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with maintaining solidity and initiating attacks from the back. The midfield five featured Lucas Hunt on the right flank, Louie McDonald, George Jackson, and Tommy Anson occupying central midfield roles, and Eliot Wilberforce on the left wing. Their role was to control possession, support both defence and attack, and provide service to the two forwards, Mason Percival on the right and Alex Ward on the left, who were expected to spearhead the offensive efforts. The substitutes available were Will Schrimshaw, Lucas Applegate, Ryan Case, Axel Nicholson, and Kyle Evans.
The match began with an early setback for Malet Vikings as Longhill Ravens took the lead in the 13th minute through a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, expertly struck with the left foot. This goal, coming so early, could have unsettled the hosts, but the Vikings responded with composure.
Just six minutes later, Malet Vikings were back on level terms when Louie McDonald capitalised on a free-kick delivered by Ashton Cooke-Hill. McDonald’s right-footed finish inside the box was clinical, restoring parity and signalling the start of a dominant performance.
In a remarkable tactical shift at the half-hour mark, Malet Vikings made a quintuple substitution, bringing on Will Schrimshaw, Lucas Applegate, Ryan Case, Axel Nicholson, and Kyle Evans for Alex Ward, Mason Percival, Eliot Wilberforce, Oli Thompson, and Ashton Cooke-Hill respectively. This sweeping change appeared to inject fresh energy and impetus into the side.
Before the break, Louie McDonald struck again in the 44th minute with a spectacular goal from outside the box. Receiving a short pass from Schrimshaw, McDonald unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance, giving Malet Vikings a 2-1 lead going into half-time.
The second half saw Malet Vikings extend their advantage further. In the 54th minute, Lucas Hunt scored a remarkable goal directly from a corner kick, curling the ball with his right foot from outside the box into the net. This rare feat underscored the Vikings’ attacking threat from set-pieces.
Shortly after, at the hour mark, Alex Ward was reintroduced to the pitch, replacing Lucas Hunt. This substitution maintained the attacking balance as the Vikings continued to press.
George Jackson then took centre stage, scoring a stunning screamer in the 64th minute after a neat short pass from Ward. His left-footed strike from outside the box was a testament to his technical ability and confidence.
Jackson was again on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute, this time finishing inside the box following a precise short pass from Louie McDonald. His composure and accuracy doubled the lead and effectively put the game beyond doubt.
In response, Malet Vikings made another tactical substitution, bringing Mason Percival back on for Louie McDonald in the 73rd minute, allowing McDonald to rest after a commanding performance.
The attacking momentum continued as Alex Ward netted his second goal in the 76th minute. Assisted by Ryan Case, Ward’s right-footed finish capped off a well-worked team move, further extending the lead.
At 79 minutes, Ashton Cooke-Hill returned to the field, replacing Riley Baker in a tactical reshuffle aimed at maintaining defensive stability and fresh legs.
Will Schrimshaw added to the tally in the 81st minute, finishing off a slick team move with a right-footed strike following a short pass from George Jackson. This goal highlighted the fluidity and cohesion of the Vikings’ attacking play.
Just three minutes later, Axel Nicholson scored a tap-in after a short pass from Mason Percival, rounding off the scoring at 8-1. Nicholson’s goal was a simple but effective finish, reflecting the dominance Malet Vikings enjoyed throughout the match.
Louie McDonald was deservedly named player of the match for his influential role in midfield and his two spectacular goals, which helped turn the tide after the early setback. His vision, passing, and finishing were instrumental in Malet Vikings’ comprehensive victory.
Overall, Malet Vikings U18 delivered a masterclass in attacking football and tactical flexibility, overcoming an early deficit to dismantle Longhill Ravens U18 with clinical precision. The 3-5-2 formation allowed them to control the midfield and create numerous scoring opportunities, while the timely substitutions ensured sustained energy and creativity throughout the 90 minutes.
