Little Lever Lions 2 vs 0 Tiki Taka Dortmund

Tiki Taka Dortmund travelled to Little Lever Sports Club on 14 February 2026 for a league away fixture against Little Lever Lions, kicking off at 10:15am. The match ended in a 2-0 defeat for Dortmund. Despite a valiant effort, Tiki Taka Dortmund were unable to break down a resilient Lions side and left empty-handed.

Tiki Taka Dortmund lined up in their customary 4-3-3 formation, with Kamsy Anajemba guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Brajan Staszkowicz at right back, Archie Hunt and Lawrence Nwakamma as central defenders, and Nikita Velicka on the left. The midfield trio consisted of Noah Rule on the right, Zac Leach centrally, and Zac Humphries-Deveney on the left. Up front, the attacking trio was made up of Sonic Leung on the right wing, Favour Ajumobi leading the line as striker, and Yasin Mohammed on the left wing. The substitutes named were Oscar Manders, Andrew-Franz Nkemka, and Nathen Platt.

From the outset, Noah Rule attempted to spark Tiki Taka Dortmund’s attacking play with a nice through pass in the third minute, though it did not lead to a clear chance. The early exchanges were marked by solid defensive work from Lawrence Nwakamma, who intercepted opposition moves at the fifth and tenth minutes, preventing potential openings for the Lions. Noah Rule also contributed defensively, blocking an attempt in the eighth minute to keep Dortmund in the game.

Archie Hunt joined the defensive efforts with an interception in the twelfth minute, further frustrating the home side’s advances. Goalkeeper Kamsy Anajemba was called into action in the 16th minute, tipping a dangerous shot over the bar to deny the Lions an early lead. However, the visitors’ resistance was broken three minutes later when Little Lever Lions were awarded a penalty, which they converted to take the lead.

Tiki Taka Dortmund sought to respond quickly, with Yasin Mohammed delivering a dangerous cross in the 23rd minute, signalling their intent to push forward. Unfortunately no one was able to get on the end of the cross to finish it. Shortly after, a triple substitution at the 24th minute saw Oscar Manders replace Sonic Leung, Andrew-Franz Nkemka come on for Favour Ajumobi, and Nathen Platt enter for Nikita Velicka, signalling a tactical shift to try and regain control.

Zac Leach tested the Lions’ goalkeeper with a shot in the 26th minute, which was comfortable saved, while Yasin Mohammed again played a key role with a through pass in the 30th minute that created an opportunity for Zac Humphries-Deveney. Unfortunately his left footed effort was saved, but showed Dortmund’s growing pressure as the half progressed. The first half concluded at the 35th minute mark, with Dortmund trailing 1-0.

Early in the second half, Zac Humphries-Deveney played a good through ball to Yasin down the left side, who's cross was cleared by the opposition defence. Lawrence Nwakamma remained a defensive pillar, making a crucial tackle in the 42nd minute to prevent a Lions chance. Nathen Platt also contributed defensively with a tackle in the 44th minute. Andrew-Franz Nkemka’s attempt on goal in the 45th minute was saved, maintaining the Lions’ advantage.

Lawrence Nwakamma blocked another attempt at the 47th minute, showcasing his defensive resilience. At the 48th minute mark, Tiki Taka Dortmund made three substitutions: Nikita Velicka returned to the field replacing Zac Leach, Sonic Leung came back on for Yasin Mohammed, and Favour Ajumobi replaced Andrew-Franz Nkemka, signalling a renewed attacking approach.

Nikita Velicka made an immediate impact with a tackle in the 49th minute, but the Lions extended their lead in the 51st minute with a long-range strike that left Dortmund chasing the game. Favour Ajumobi’s shot was saved in the 53rd minute as Dortmund continued to search for a way back into the match.

Further changes followed with Andrew-Franz Nkemka coming on for Archie Hunt in the 55th minute and Zac Leach replacing Zac Humphries-Deveney three minutes later. Yasin Mohammed also returned to the pitch in the 59th minute, substituting Oscar Manders.

Brajan Staszkowicz made a vital tackle in the 63rd minute, helping to keep the Lions at bay. Yasin Mohammed’s effort in the 66th minute was saved, as was Noah Rule’s attempt in the 69th minute, but Dortmund were unable to find the net.

The full time whistle went and the Lions held firm to secure a deserved 2-0 victory on home turf, with Dortmund suffering their first defeat of the season.

Despite their best efforts and some promising moments of play in the match, Tiki Taka Dortmund were unable to overcome the two-goal deficit.

Noah Rule’s tireless work both offensively and defensively earned him the player of the match accolade, voted by his peers. Highlighting his significant contribution in a tough encounter.

Big thanks to our team kit sponsor:

New Bury Chippy

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