Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites Edge Thrilling 4-3 Win Over Great Wakering Colts

Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites hosted Great Wakering Colts Y U15 Green at the Eversley Centre 3G pitch on 23 November 2025, with kick-off at 2:30pm in a keenly contested league encounter. The home side emerged victorious by a narrow 4-3 margin after 80 minutes of pulsating football, much to the delight of the 50-strong crowd. Referee Dean Fenn oversaw an intense 11-a-side clash that kept spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.

Bowers & Pitsea deployed a 3-4-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Stanley Martin-Gardener took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, shielded by a back three consisting of James Holgate at right defender, Marcus Stanbury centrally, and Rhys Hughes on the left. The midfield quartet featured Benjamine Smith on the right wing, Cory Jennings and Sebastian Cenciu occupying central midfield roles, and Luca Cepoi on the left flank. Up front, the attacking trio comprised Mattie Bristow on the right forward, Oliver Wakeling leading the line as striker, and Lewis Baber operating on the left forward position. This setup was designed to provide width and creativity from midfield while allowing the front three to exploit spaces and finish chances. On the bench, Marvellous Nbubueze and Liam Stroud awaited their opportunity to influence proceedings.

The match burst into life immediately as Bowers & Pitsea took the lead inside the opening minute. Benjamine Smith delivered a precise cross from the right, which Oliver Wakeling expertly converted at close range with his right foot, setting the tone for a high-tempo encounter. The Whites continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 12th minute through another close-range finish by Wakeling, this time assisted by a well-timed cross from Sebastian Cenciu following a slick team move.

Shortly after, a tactical change saw Marvellous Nbubueze replace the influential Wakeling in the 20th minute, signalling a shift in attacking dynamics. The home side maintained their momentum, and four minutes later Lewis Baber extended the lead to 3-0. Baber capitalised on a cross from Mattie Bristow inside the box, slotting the ball home with his left foot to further unsettle the visitors.

Bowers & Pitsea’s fluid attacking interplay continued to pay dividends as Mattie Bristow himself got on the scoresheet in the 34th minute. Baber provided a long pass that Bristow controlled expertly before finishing inside the box with his right foot, making it 4-0 and seemingly putting the game beyond doubt.

As the first half drew to a close, Liam Stroud came on for Cory Jennings in the 40th minute, just before the interval. The teams went into the break with Bowers & Pitsea comfortably ahead, but the second half would prove far more challenging.

Great Wakering Colts emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigour and quickly reduced the deficit in the 47th minute, signalling their intent to fight back. This prompted an immediate substitution as Cory Jennings was reinstated in place of Stroud just one minute later.

The visitors struck again in the 51st minute, narrowing the gap to 4-2 and injecting fresh urgency into the contest. Bowers & Pitsea responded by bringing Oliver Wakeling back on for Marvellous Nbubueze in the 59th minute, restoring their primary attacking threat.

Despite the Whites’ efforts to regain control, Great Wakering Colts continued to press and pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute, making it 4-3 and setting up a nervy finale. The closing stages saw both sides battle fiercely, but Bowers & Pitsea’s early dominance and clinical finishing ultimately secured the three points.

Mattie Bristow was named player of the match for his pivotal role in attack, contributing both a goal and an assist while consistently troubling the opposition defence. His link-up play with Lewis Baber and the midfield was instrumental in carving out scoring opportunities.

In summary, Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites showcased a potent attacking display from the outset, with their 3-4-3 formation allowing them to dominate possession and create numerous chances. Although Great Wakering Colts mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, the home side’s early four-goal cushion proved decisive in a thrilling 4-3 victory.