Murray’s Brace Secures Euxton Villa Cup Win Away At Barrowford Celtic

Euxton Villa U16 Black travelled to the Rolls Royce Sports Ground on 25 January 2026 for their cup tie against Barrowford Celtic U16 Black, kicking off at 11:00am. In a tightly contested 80-minute match plus six minutes of extra time, Euxton Villa emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to a brace from William Murray. The encounter saw both teams battle hard, but it was Villa’s resilience and attacking moments that ultimately made the difference.

Euxton Villa lined up in a disciplined 5-4-1 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing midfielders to support the lone striker. Adam Tucker took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with a back five comprising Alex Howarth at right defender, Frank Cooper, Harley Ashton, and Louis Grant forming the central defensive trio, and Finlay Mann operating as left defender. The midfield four featured Jack Willett on the right, Ollie Bamber and Ethan Bingham centrally, and William Murray on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and providing width going forward. Up front, Oliver Gardner led the line as the sole striker, expected to hold up play and link with the midfield. On the bench, Freddie Beanland, Junior Cummins and Jack Shirley were named as substitutes, ready to come on if needed.

The game burst into life almost immediately as Euxton Villa took the lead in the second minute. Oliver Gardner rose highest to deliver a glance header, which William Murray expertly took under control and released with his right foot from long range, sending the ball flying into the net. This early strike set the tone and gave Villa an early advantage to build upon.

Barrowford Celtic responded with intensity, but their frustration showed when a player was booked for dissent just three minutes later, receiving a yellow card for verbal or gestural protest. The match’s physicality was evident early on, and this set the stage for a fiercely competitive encounter.

Euxton Villa were forced into an early change in the fifth minute when Alex Howarth went off injured, with Freddie Beanland coming on to fill the right defender role. This substitution tested Villa’s defensive organisation but they adapted quickly.

The game settled into a tactical battle, with both sides probing for openings. However, Villa suffered another setback in the 26th minute when Finlay Mann had to be replaced due to injury, with Jack Shirley entering the fray as left defender. Mann’s departure was compounded by a yellow card for a bad tackle at the same time, reflecting the physical nature of the contest.

The first half concluded at the 40-minute mark with Euxton Villa holding their slender 1-0 lead. Their defensive shape and early goal had kept Barrowford Celtic at bay, but the visitors knew the second half would require continued focus.

Barrowford Celtic levelled the match midway through the second half, scoring from the penalty spot in the 54th minute. The penalty was calmly converted with a right-footed finish, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting the contest.

Despite the setback, Euxton Villa remained composed and pressed forward in search of a winner. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when William Murray once again found the net, this time with a close-range solo effort. Demonstrating skill and determination, Murray’s right-footed finish restored Villa’s lead and ultimately proved decisive.

The match continued to be fiercely contested, with Barrowford Celtic receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 81st minute, further highlighting the intensity and physicality of the game.

Euxton Villa held firm in the closing stages, with goalkeeper Adam Tucker and the defensive unit repelling late pressure to secure the 2-1 victory. William Murray’s two goals were pivotal, earning him the well-deserved player of the match accolade.

This hard-fought win away from home in a cup tie showcased Euxton Villa’s resilience, tactical discipline, and attacking threat, setting them up for the next round with confidence.