In a stunning display of attacking football, Malet Vikings U18 secured an emphatic 11-0 victory over Messingham Juniors U17 in their cup match at the Steve Prescott Centre on 7th September 2025. The match kicked off at 10:15 am, and the Vikings showcased their dominance from the very first whistle, leaving their opponents reeling.
The Vikings lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Noah Van in goal, flanked by a three-man defence consisting of Riley Baker in the centre, supported by Alfie Jackman on the left and Oli Thompson on the right. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Lucas Hunt and Eliot Wilberforce on the right and left flanks respectively, while Anthony Baker-Cortes, George Jackson, and Lucas Applegate formed a robust central trio. Up front, the dynamic duo of Will Schrimshaw and Tommy Anson were tasked with leading the line, looking to exploit any gaps in the Messingham defence.
The substitutes for the match included Louie McDonald, Kyle Evans, Ryan Case, and Ashton Cooke-Hill, who would later play pivotal roles in the Vikings' overwhelming performance.
The scoring opened early in the fifth minute when George Jackson converted a penalty, expertly placed into the net with his left foot after Will Schrimshaw was fouled in the box. This early goal set the tone for the match, and the Vikings quickly doubled their lead just nine minutes later. Tommy Anson, with a brilliant lob from outside the box, found the back of the net, assisted by a header from Anthony Baker-Cortes.
However, the Vikings faced a setback in the 15th minute when Alfie Jackman received a red card for violent conduct, leaving his team to continue with ten men. Despite this, the Vikings maintained their attacking momentum, and just a minute later, Anson struck again, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Schrimshaw.
As the first half progressed, the Vikings made a series of substitutions to maintain their energy levels. Anthony Baker-Cortes was replaced by Louie McDonald in the 29th minute, followed by Tommy Anson making way for Kyle Evans, Eliot Wilberforce coming off for Ryan Case, and Riley Baker being substituted for Ashton Cooke-Hill, all within the same minute.
The Vikings continued to dominate, and in the 36th minute, Will Schrimshaw scored his first of the match, finishing off a well-worked team move with a right-footed shot after receiving a short pass from Baker-Cortes before his substitution.
The second half commenced with the Vikings eager to extend their lead, and they did so almost immediately. Just after the break, in the 46th minute, Schrimshaw scored again, this time with a right-footed effort following a short pass from Louie McDonald.
The onslaught continued as George Jackson netted his second of the match in the 63rd minute, unleashing a spectacular shot from outside the box, assisted by McDonald. Moments later, Tommy Anson added to his tally with another goal, showcasing the Vikings' fluid attacking play, with Jackson providing the assist.
Ryan Case then got in on the act in the 70th minute, scoring with a right-footed shot after a well-executed team move, further emphasising the Vikings' dominance. Louie McDonald followed suit in the 74th minute, scoring his own goal with a right-footed effort, assisted by Kyle Evans.
As the match drew to a close, Schrimshaw completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute with a stunning solo goal, leaving the Messingham defence in his wake. Finally, in the 84th minute, George Jackson capped off the scoring with his third goal of the match, converting from close range after receiving a short pass from Ryan Case.
The final whistle confirmed an astonishing 11-0 victory for Malet Vikings U18, a result that will surely be remembered as one of their most dominant performances. The Vikings displayed exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination, leaving Messingham Juniors U17 with much to ponder as they regroup for their next challenge.
