Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites Edge Hawkwell Athletic Y U15 Hawks 2-1

Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites welcomed Hawkwell Athletic Y U15 Hawks to the Eversley Centre 3G on 7 December 2025 for a league fixture kicking off at 2:00pm. In a tightly contested 80-minute match, Bowers & Pitsea emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, securing all three points on home soil under the watchful eye of referee Richard Willson.

Deploying a 3-4-3 formation, Bowers & Pitsea lined up with Stanley Martin-Gardener in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Rhys Hughes at right defender, Marcus Stanbury centrally, and Sebastian Cenciu on the left. The midfield quartet featured Benjamine Smith on the right, Cory Jennings and Oliver Norton centrally, and Luca Cepoi on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and providing width. Upfront, the attacking trio comprised Mattie Bristow on the right, Huey Huckle leading the line as striker, and Lewis Baber operating on the left forward position. This setup was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking fluidity, expecting the midfield to link play and the front three to press high and create chances. The substitutes named were Liam Stroud, Oliver Wakeling, and James Holgate.

The match began with Bowers & Pitsea asserting themselves in possession and probing the Hawkwell defence. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Huey Huckle played a neat short pass into the box, allowing Lewis Baber to calmly slot home with his left foot. Baber’s clinical finish rewarded the Whites’ early pressure and gave them a deserved lead.

Defensively, Marcus Stanbury was a commanding presence throughout the first half. His crucial clearance in the 33rd minute prevented a promising chance for Hawkwell, showcasing his alertness and composure under pressure. His defensive contributions would prove vital as the game progressed.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Bowers & Pitsea made a double substitution on the 40-minute mark, with Liam Stroud replacing Cory Jennings and Oliver Wakeling coming on for Luca Cepoi. This tactical tweak aimed to refresh the midfield and maintain the team’s intensity heading into the break. The half ended with Bowers & Pitsea holding a slender 1-0 advantage.

Early in the second half, at 55 minutes, Luca Cepoi was reintroduced to the pitch, replacing Benjamine Smith on the right midfield. This change sought to reinvigorate the wide areas and provide additional attacking impetus. Ten minutes later, James Holgate came on for Rhys Hughes at right defender, signalling a defensive reshuffle to cope with Hawkwell’s growing threat.

The visitors capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 70th minute, levelling the score through a goal born of a mistake at the back. This moment shifted momentum and tested Bowers & Pitsea’s resilience.

Reacting swiftly, the Whites made another substitution at 72 minutes, bringing Benjamine Smith back on for Oliver Wakeling. This move aimed to restore balance and energy in midfield as the match entered its final stages.

With the clock ticking down, Lewis Baber once again proved decisive. In the 80th minute, he pounced on a close-range opportunity to tap in and restore Bowers & Pitsea’s lead. His second goal of the afternoon was a testament to his poise and predatory instincts inside the box.

Throughout the match, Marcus Stanbury’s defensive leadership stood out, earning him the player of the match accolade. His timely interventions and calm presence at the heart of defence were instrumental in securing the win for Bowers & Pitsea.

In the end, Bowers & Pitsea U15 Whites held on to their 2-1 lead, delivering a hard-fought victory against a determined Hawkwell Athletic Y U15 Hawks side. The result will boost their confidence as they continue their league campaign.