In a pulsating cup encounter at Leisure United Heron Eccles Pitch #3, MSB Woolton U16 Di Stefano edged past their rivals, MSB Woolton U16 Beckenbauer, with a final score of 4-3. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am on 11 May 2025, showcased a thrilling display of attacking football, with both teams demonstrating their prowess in front of goal.
The Di Stefano side lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Tony B took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jacob M on the right, Christie D and Aiden P in central defence, and Sam B on the left. The midfield trio featured Charlie C on the right, Sean F in the centre, and Oscar R on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forward line. Up front, Jack T operated on the right, with Stan P as the central striker and Jack W on the left, all tasked with converting chances into goals. The substitutes for the match included Oliver M and Max D, who would later play pivotal roles in the game.
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was the Beckenbauer side that struck first, taking the lead in the 16th minute with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box. The goal sent a ripple of concern through the Di Stefano ranks, but they quickly regrouped and responded with determination. Just five minutes later, in the 21st minute, Stan P found the equaliser, tapping in a close-range effort after a clever short pass from Max D, igniting celebrations among the Di Stefano supporters.
However, the Beckenbauer side was not to be outdone, regaining the lead in the 34th minute with a penalty, leaving the Di Stefano players frustrated as they headed into half-time trailing 2-1. The first half concluded with the scoreline reflecting a closely contested battle, but the Di Stefano side remained optimistic about turning the tide in the second half.
The second half commenced with renewed vigour from the Di Stefano team, and they quickly made their mark. Just eight minutes after the restart, Stan P scored his second of the match in the 43rd minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Oliver M, bringing the score to 2-2. The momentum shifted firmly in favour of Di Stefano, who continued to press for more goals.
However, the Beckenbauer side capitalised on a defensive error from Di Stefano in the 48th minute, regaining the lead at 3-2. The match was finely poised, but the Di Stefano players refused to be disheartened. In the 51st minute, Max D levelled the score once more, nodding in a corner from Oliver M, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.
With the score now at 3-3, the match entered its final stages, and both teams pushed for a decisive goal. In the 65th minute, Jack T emerged as the hero for Di Stefano, scoring the winning goal with a well-placed tap-in after a precise short pass from Jack W. The goal sent the Di Stefano bench into raptures, and they held on for the remaining minutes to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory and retain the cup after winning it the previous year.
This cup clash will be remembered for its intensity and the remarkable spirit shown by both teams. Jack T’s performance, capped with a crucial goal, earned him the Player of the Match accolade, while the entire Di Stefano squad demonstrated their fighting spirit and tactical awareness throughout the encounter.
