On 5th October 2025, Stoneygate Lion Juniors travelled to Birstall United Juniors U13 for a pulsating cup away match that kicked off at 10:30am. The 11-a-side encounter saw Stoneygate Lion Juniors narrowly lose 7-6 to Birstall United U14 Foxes after a dramatic 70 minutes plus injury time. The match was a rollercoaster of goals and tactical changes, with both sides showing attacking intent and defensive frailties.
Stoneygate Lion Juniors lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, a setup designed to provide defensive solidity while maintaining midfield control and attacking options. Neo Routledge took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Theo Sebastian at right defender, central defenders Hugo Harding and Priyan Purshottam, and Hamza Mukadam on the left. The midfield quartet featured Dylan Atkins on the right, central midfielders Harvyn Purewal and Alfie Roberts, and Javyn Purewal on the left. Kabir Sian operated as the attacking midfielder behind lone striker Will Neilson, who was expected to lead the line and capitalise on chances created. The substitutes named were Oscar Pickering, Veer Purshottam, and Ivan Frimpong.
The match burst into life early on with Birstall United U14 Foxes taking the lead in the 7th minute through a goalmouth scramble finished with a close-range left-footed strike. Their early pressure was rewarded again in the 15th minute when they scored a stunning direct free kick from outside the box, curled expertly with the right foot. Stoneygate found themselves chasing the game but remained composed.
As the first half progressed, Stoneygate’s defensive resilience was tested, but they managed to hold on until the 35th minute when Priyan Purshottam rose to meet a free kick delivered by Will Neilson, nodding home a close-range header to halve the deficit just before half time. This goal injected belief into the visitors heading into the break.
Shortly after the interval, Stoneygate made a triple tactical substitution in the 38th minute to freshen up the side. Oscar Pickering replaced right midfielder Dylan Atkins, Ivan Frimpong came on for central defender Hugo Harding, and Veer Purshottam took over from left midfielder Javyn Purewal. These changes immediately paid dividends as Ivan Frimpong scored within a minute of entering the fray, slotting home a close-range right-footed finish following a short pass assist from Will Neilson.
The momentum continued for Stoneygate as Ivan Frimpong struck again in the 57th minute, this time tapping in a close-range right-footed goal after a clever flick from Priyan Purshottam. The visitors had turned the game on its head and looked to be in control.
However, Birstall United U14 Foxes responded with a spectacular goal in the 66th minute, scoring directly from a corner kick with a close-range right-footed finish that left the Stoneygate defence scrambling. This goal reignited the hosts’ hopes and set up a tense finale.
Stoneygate made further tactical substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing Javyn Purewal back on for attacking midfielder Kabir Sian and reinstating Hugo Harding in place of left defender Hamza Mukadam. The tactical reshuffle aimed to shore up the defence and add attacking impetus.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 73rd minute when Stoneygate’s central midfielder Harvyn Purewal received a yellow card for an unspecified offence, adding pressure on the visitors as the game neared its conclusion.
Shortly after, in the 74th minute, Stoneygate made another tactical substitution, with Kabir Sian returning to the field in place of Veer Purshottam, signalling a final push to regain control.
The final moments of the match were extraordinary, with a flurry of penalty goals scored in quick succession around the 76th minute. Birstall United U14 Foxes converted four penalties, each struck with precision from close range using the right foot. Stoneygate responded with three penalty goals of their own, scored by Priyan Purshottam, Javyn Purewal, and Alfie Roberts, all from close range and with the right foot. The rapid exchange of penalties highlighted the intensity and desperation from both sides as they battled for cup progression.
Despite Stoneygate’s valiant efforts and six goals scored, Birstall United U14 Foxes edged the match 7-6, sealing a narrow victory in a contest that showcased attacking flair, tactical adjustments, and dramatic moments. The match will be remembered for its high scoring, quick-fire penalties, and the resilience shown by both teams throughout the 70 minutes plus added time.
