Panthers Run Riot With Seven-Goal Blitz At Hayden Youth

Hayden Panthers U15 welcomed Falconwood FC Black to the Hayden Youth Association ground on 5 October 2025 for an early morning league fixture kicking off at 10:00am. The Panthers produced a stunning attacking display to secure a comprehensive 9-2 victory in this 11-a-side contest lasting 80 minutes plus injury time.

Deploying a 4-4-1-1 formation, Hayden Panthers set up with Josh Jolly guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Josh Quinn at right back, Riley Webb and Sid Hale as central defenders, and Tyler Cracknell on the left. Across midfield, Archie Bristo operated on the right flank, Ollie Challis and Aston Hawgood held central midfield roles, while Alfie Severn’s took up the left midfield berth. Just behind the lone striker, Darcey Illing, was attacking midfielder Sid Reed tasked with linking play and creating chances. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

From the first whistle, Panthers were relentless. Darcey Illing announced his intent immediately by netting in the opening minute, setting the tone for what was to become a goal-scoring masterclass. Illing’s predatory instincts were on full display as he doubled the lead within six minutes, followed by a third goal at the 12-minute mark. His fourth and fifth strikes came swiftly, arriving in the 15th and 20th minutes respectively, leaving Falconwood reeling.

The Panthers’ dominance continued unabated with Illing completing a remarkable first-half haul by scoring again in the 25th and 34th minutes. By half-time, Hayden Panthers had established a commanding 7-0 lead, reflecting their clinical finishing and cohesive team play.

The second half saw Falconwood FC Black finally respond, pulling a goal back in the 56th minute to offer a glimmer of hope. However, Illing extinguished any comeback hopes with his eighth goal of the match five minutes later, reaffirming his status as the star striker.

Hayden Panthers were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute, which Aston Hawgood confidently converted, extending the lead to 9-1. Falconwood managed to score a late consolation goal in the 79th minute, but it was too little, too late as the Panthers cruised to a dominant 9-2 victory.

This fixture was defined by the extraordinary goal-scoring exploits of Darcey Illing, whose eight goals were pivotal in securing the win. The solid defensive foundation laid by Quinn, Webb, Hale, and Cracknell ensured Falconwood’s rare chances were limited. Meanwhile, the midfield quartet, including the penalty-taking Hawgood, controlled the tempo and supplied the forward line with ample opportunities.

Hayden Panthers’ emphatic triumph at home not only boosts their league standing but also sends a clear message about their attacking prowess and team cohesion moving forward this season.