Christchurch FC Panthers Fall To Highcliffe Hawks Youth U16 At Glenmoor

On 28 September 2025, Christchurch FC Panthers hosted Highcliffe Hawks Youth U16 at Glenmoor and Winton Academies in a league fixture kicking off at 2:00pm. The Panthers were defeated 3-1 in an 80-minute contest overseen by referee Ian Bardsley, who delivered a solid performance. The modest crowd of 20 witnessed a game where the visitors ultimately asserted their dominance.

The first half remained tightly contested until the 40th minute when Highcliffe Hawks Youth U16 broke the deadlock with a well-executed header, giving them a crucial lead just before the interval. This goal came at a pivotal moment, putting pressure on the Panthers as the whistle for half-time followed immediately.

Christchurch responded quickly after the break, with Dominik Chudy equalising in the 45th minute. The goal was crafted from a short pass by Josh Akpagbula, who found space to thread the ball inside the box, allowing Chudy to finish with composure and restore parity. This moment offered a glimmer of hope for the Panthers as the match progressed into the second half.

However, the visitors regained control in the 53rd minute, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to retake the lead. The chaotic nature of the goal suggested a lapse in the Panthers’ defensive organisation, which Highcliffe Hawks exploited effectively. The Panthers’ resilience was tested further as they made a double substitution on the hour mark; Rafael Maggiora replaced Jamie Moore in a tactical switch, while Kian Sinclair came on for the injured Finley Everett, who had been a standout performer in central defence.

Despite these changes, Highcliffe Hawks extended their advantage in the 76th minute with a skilful lob over the goalkeeper, sealing the visitors’ victory. The goal highlighted the Hawks’ ability to exploit space behind the defence and demonstrated their attacking threat late in the game.

Finley Everett’s performance in central defence was a notable positive for Christchurch FC Panthers, earning him the player of the match accolade for his commanding presence and defensive contributions before his injury. Ultimately, though, the Panthers were unable to contain the Highcliffe Hawks’ attacking prowess, resulting in a 3-1 defeat on home soil.