Blue FC Dominate Lime City 5-1 In Thrilling Cup Clash

On 2 January 2026, Blue FC welcomed Lime City to their home ground for a high-octane 9-a-side cup match, kicking off at 4:55pm before a staggering crowd of 200,000. The encounter ended emphatically in Blue FC’s favour with a 5-1 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline under referee Jim Luster’s watchful eye.

Blue FC lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with offensive fluidity. Luke Stevenson guarded the goal, supported by a back three of Jayden Smith at right defender, Danny Shack centrally, and Kyle Pez on the left. The midfield trio featured Peter Leven on the right, Alfie Lot centrally, and Josh Flowers on the left, tasked with linking defence and attack. Up front, Larry Tree operated as the right forward, with Hugo Berkeley leading the line on the left. This setup promised width from the midfield and forward lines, with the defenders expected to provide cover and initiate attacks. Gary Mask was named among the substitutes.

The match burst into life within moments as Hugo Berkeley rattled the post with a fierce early attempt in the 2nd minute, signalling Blue FC’s intent. The game remained tightly contested until the 37th minute when Lime City’s discipline unraveled spectacularly. Two yellow cards were issued to Lime City players in quick succession for a bad tackle and offensive language, culminating in a red card for the latter, reducing them to ten men.

Capitalising on the numerical advantage, Blue FC’s Berkeley stepped up to score a stunning direct free-kick from long range with his left foot at the 37th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures. The momentum swung decisively in Blue FC’s favour as Berkeley struck again just four minutes later. Larry Tree’s clever flick set up a diving header from close range, doubling the lead and further demoralising the visitors.

Barely had Lime City recovered when Berkeley completed a remarkable hat-trick in the 42nd minute. Receiving a short pass from Josh Flowers, he unleashed a thunderous right-footed screamer from distance that left the goalkeeper rooted. The goals kept coming as Berkeley netted once more before half-time, this time with a precise right-footed strike from outside the box, expertly assisted by a long pass from Jayden Smith.

At the interval, Blue FC held a commanding 4-0 lead, having dominated both possession and chances. The second half saw a tactical substitution in the 51st minute as Gary Mask replaced Danny Shack, aiming to maintain defensive stability and freshen the midfield.

Blue FC continued to press, with goalkeeper Luke Stevenson making a crucial save in the 61st minute, tipping a powerful Lime City effort over the bar to keep the clean sheet intact. The home side sealed their emphatic win in the 80th minute when Berkeley scored his fifth goal of the match. Mask’s long pass found him outside the box, where he executed a spectacular scissors kick with his left foot, a fitting highlight to an outstanding individual performance.

However, the match was not without further drama. In stoppage time, substitute Gary Mask was shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, reducing Blue FC to ten men. Lime City managed to grab a consolation goal immediately after from a penalty, converted with a left-footed finish from close range in the 92nd minute.

Despite the late goal, Blue FC’s dominance was never in doubt. Hugo Berkeley’s five-goal haul was the standout display, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade. The home side’s tactical setup and clinical execution ensured a comprehensive victory, sending them confidently through the cup stages.