Mile Oak Football Club travelled to Whitemans Recreation Ground on 19 October 2025 for their league away fixture against Cuckfield Cosmos U15 Athletic, kicking off at 2:00pm. The hosts were defeated 3-1 in an entertaining 80-minute contest, with Mile Oak producing a commanding performance to claim all three points.
Mile Oak lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Archie Gunn in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Jude Butler at right back, Charlie Montgomery and Kingsley Roussel as central defenders, and Olle Webb operating at left back. In midfield, Pip Aspey and Herbie Woolin held the central roles, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Finley Howarth on the right wing, Stan Churchyard in the central attacking midfield position, and Isaac Samagh on the left. Leading the line was striker Alfie Brookes-Baker, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances. The substitutes named for the match were Josh Boarer, Tyler Mugridge, Tyler West, Will Newton, and Harrison Franklin-Lester.
The match began with Mile Oak asserting themselves early on, and it was Olle Webb who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Webb capitalised on a precise assist from Isaac Samagh, driving forward from his left-back position to finish clinically and give Mile Oak the lead. This goal set the tone for the visitors, who looked comfortable and organised in their shape.
The half concluded at the 40-minute mark, with Mile Oak leading 1-0. The visitors then made a flurry of changes immediately after the interval. Tyler West was introduced for striker Alfie Brookes-Baker in the 41st minute, shifting the attacking options. Will Newton replaced central defender Kingsley Roussel in the 42nd minute, maintaining defensive balance. Finally, Harrison Franklin-Lester came on for right attacking midfielder Finley Howarth in the 44th minute, adding pace and creativity on the right flank.
The substitutions paid dividends as Harrison Franklin-Lester made a significant impact. In the 55th minute, he doubled Mile Oak’s advantage with a goal expertly set up by Isaac Samagh, who once again demonstrated his vision and delivery from the left attacking midfield position. Franklin-Lester’s contribution was crucial in extending the lead and putting the hosts under pressure.
Ten minutes later, in the 65th minute, Franklin-Lester struck again, this time assisted by the returning Alfie Brookes-Baker, who had been substituted off earlier but evidently remained influential in the build-up. This second goal from Franklin-Lester effectively sealed the contest, giving Mile Oak a commanding 3-0 lead.
Cuckfield Cosmos U15 Athletic managed to pull a goal back in the 70th minute, providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, Mile Oak’s defensive organisation and composure ensured that the visitors maintained control and saw out the remainder of the match.
In the 76th minute, Tyler West received a yellow card, a caution that reflected the competitive nature of the fixture but did not alter the outcome.
Throughout the match, Herbie Woolin stood out as a key performer in central midfield, orchestrating play and providing stability, earning him the player of the match accolade.
Mile Oak’s 3-1 victory at Southwick Hill Recreation Ground was a testament to their tactical discipline, effective use of substitutions, and clinical finishing. The win will boost their confidence as they continue their league campaign.
