Fc Bridgewater Hawks 2 vs 2 Tiki Taka Dortmund

Tiki Taka Dortmund faced Fc Bridgewater Hawks in a tense away cup match at CO-OP Academy Walkden on 31 January 2026, kicking off at 10:00am. The 70-minute contest ended 2-2 in normal time, with Tiki Taka Dortmund eventually prevailing 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. The referee for the match was Simon.

Tiki Taka Dortmund lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying Kamsy Anajemba in goal. The defensive line consisted of Brajan Staszkowicz at right back, Archie Hunt and Lawrence Nwakamma as central defenders, and Nathen Platt at left back. In midfield, Zac Leach operated centrally, flanked by Noah Rule on the right and Zac Humphries-Deveney on the left. The forward trio featured Sonic Leung on the right wing, Favour Ajumobi leading the line as striker, and Yasin Mohammed on the left wing. The substitutes named were Seka, Finley Barlow, and Oscar Manders.

From the outset, Zac Leach demonstrated his vision with a long key pass in the second minute, creating an early chance for Tiki Taka Dortmund. Yasin Mohammed quickly tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot that was saved, signalling an attacking intent. The home side’s goalkeeper Kamsy Anajemba was alert early on, catching a cross at eight minutes and parrying a shot five minutes later, keeping his side in the contest.

Yasin Mohammed continued to press, but his attempt at the 16th minute went wide. The first substitution came shortly after, with Seka replacing Nathen Platt at left back in the 20th minute. Brajan Staszkowicz showed defensive solidity with a crucial tackle two minutes later to halt an opposition threat.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Yasin Mohammed delivered a precise cross from the left, allowing Sonic Leung to score from close range with his right foot, a well-worked team goal. However, the joy was short-lived as Yasin Mohammed was substituted off for Finley Barlow just two minutes later. Archie Hunt then made a vital tackle at the 26th minute to prevent a clear chance for the Hawks.

Noah Rule was introduced for the tiring Noah Rule in the 30th minute, and shortly after, the opposition struck back with a goal in the 34th minute to level the score. Half-time arrived at the 35th minute with the match finely poised at 1-1.

The second half saw immediate changes as Nathen Platt returned to replace Brajan Staszkowicz at right back in the 36th minute. Tiki Taka Dortmund regained the lead through a penalty converted by Zac Leach in the 38th minute, assisted by Yasin Mohammed before his earlier substitution. The Hawks responded swiftly, equalising again in the 42nd minute to make it 2-2.

Further substitutions followed with Noah Rule coming on for Zac Humphries-Deveney and Brajan Staszkowicz returning for Archie Hunt in the 44th minute. Favour Ajumobi had a shot wide at 45 minutes, reflecting the attacking pressure from Tiki Taka Dortmund.

In the early stages of added time, Zac Leach cleared a dangerous ball at 48 minutes, preventing a scoring opportunity. Kamsy Anajemba then produced a full-stretch save at 49 minutes to deny the Hawks once more. The match saw more rotation with Sonic Leung reintroduced for Finley Barlow in the 52nd minute.

Lawrence Nwakamma contributed defensively with a strong tackle at 54 minutes, while Oscar Manders replaced Noah Rule at 57 minutes. Seka made a crucial block at 58 minutes, demonstrating defensive resilience. At 64 minutes, Oscar Manders came back on for Yasin Mohammed, and shortly after, at 66 minutes, Archie Hunt returned to the field, replacing Nathen Platt.

The match remained deadlocked at 2-2 after 70 minutes plus injury time, leading to a penalty shootout. Tiki Taka Dortmund edged the shootout 4-3, securing progression in the cup. The encounter was marked by tactical adjustments, spirited defending, and moments of attacking quality from both sides, with Tiki Taka Dortmund showing composure under pressure to advance.

Well done to all the penalty takers for stepping forward because it takes a lot of courage to do that.

The player of the match went to the whole team today, for the effort and work rate shown by every player. Although the opposition were a league above us, the players weren't fazed by this and gave a good account of themselves.

Big thanks to our team kit sponsor:

New Bury Chippy

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