On 24 August 2025, the Malet Vikings U18 faced off against their Juniors in a friendly match at the Steve Prestcott Centre, kicking off at 9:00 am. The match concluded with a convincing 4-2 victory for the Vikings, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.
The Vikings lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Noah Van took his position in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Axel Nicholson in the centre, flanked by Lucas Hunt on the right and Kyle Evans on the left. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring George Jackson, Anthony Baker-Cortes, and Louie McDonald in central roles, while Will Schrimshaw and Lucas Applegate provided width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Mason Percival and Tommy Anson were tasked with leading the line, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the Juniors.
The substitutes for the match included Alex Ward, who would later make a significant impact, and Alfie Jackman, who also contributed to the Vikings' success.
The first significant moment of the match came in the 28th minute when Alex Ward scored a close-range tap-in, assisted by George Jackson's long pass. This goal set the tone for the Vikings, who were looking to assert their dominance early on.
Just two minutes later, the Vikings made a trio of substitutions, with Lucas Applegate replacing Louie McDonald, Alex Ward coming on for Anthony Baker-Cortes, and Alfie Jackman taking the place of Will Schrimshaw. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the team as they sought to build on their lead.
However, the Juniors responded swiftly, finding the back of the net in the 31st minute, which momentarily shifted the momentum of the match. The Vikings, undeterred, quickly regained control, and in the 38th minute, Mason Percival scored a well-crafted goal, finishing off a team move with a precise right-footed shot, assisted by Lucas Hunt's short pass.
As the first half drew to a close, the Vikings struck again in the 43rd minute. Alfie Jackman rose to meet a cross from Lucas Hunt, directing a powerful header into the net from close range, extending the lead to 3-1 just before half-time.
The whistle blew for half-time with the Vikings leading 3-1, a scoreline that reflected their attacking intent and cohesive play.
The second half saw the Juniors come out with renewed vigour, and they managed to pull a goal back in the 62nd minute, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. This goal injected a sense of urgency into the match, but the Vikings remained composed, continuing to create chances and maintain their defensive shape.
Despite the Juniors' efforts, the Vikings held firm and managed to secure their victory, finishing the match with a final score of 4-2. Kyle Evans was instrumental throughout the game, earning recognition as the standout player for his defensive solidity and contributions to the team's overall performance.
In conclusion, the Malet Vikings U18 showcased their strength and tactical awareness in this friendly match, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
