Panthers And Rangers Share Six-All Thriller At Hayden Youth Association

Hayden Panthers U15 hosted Swanley Rangers Black at the Hayden Youth Association on 28 September 2025, with kick-off at 10:00am in a pulsating league encounter that ended in a remarkable 6-6 draw after 80 minutes of action. The match was a rollercoaster of goals and momentum swings, showcasing attacking flair and defensive frailties from both sides.

Hayden Panthers lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking support. Josh Jolly took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the backline. The defensive quartet consisted of Josh Quinn at right back, Sid Hale and Riley Webb as central defenders, and Tyler Cracknell operating on the left flank. In midfield, Archie Bristo occupied the right midfield role, with Aston Hawgood and Ollie Challis anchoring the central midfield positions. On the left midfield was Alfie Severn’s, expected to provide width and crosses. Ahead of them, Ryan Cracknell played as the attacking midfielder, linking play between midfield and attack, while Darcey Illing led the line as the lone striker. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The game burst into life immediately as Swanley Rangers Black stunned the home side with an early goal in the opening minute, setting the tone for a frenetic contest. Rangers doubled their advantage in the 14th minute, and then extended their lead further with goals in the 26th and 28th minutes, leaving Hayden Panthers trailing 4-0 inside the first half hour.

However, Hayden Panthers responded with remarkable resilience. Archie Bristo sparked a revival, netting three goals in quick succession between the 30th and 38th minutes. His treble brought the hosts back into contention and injected belief into the team and supporters alike. The first half closed with the scoreline at 4-4, a testament to the Panthers’ fighting spirit.

Just after the break, Alfie Severn’s made his mark by scoring twice, in the 42nd and 47th minutes, giving Hayden Panthers a 6-4 lead and seemingly turning the tide in their favour. Central defender Sid Hale then added a crucial goal in the 54th minute, further extending the home side’s advantage to 7-4.

Yet, Swanley Rangers Black were not finished. They pulled one back in the 58th minute to make it 7-5, and then struck again late on in the 76th minute to level the match at 7-7. The final stages saw end-to-end action but no further goals, resulting in a thrilling draw.

This match was a showcase of attacking football from both sides, with Hayden Panthers demonstrating great character to claw back from a four-goal deficit. Archie Bristo’s hat-trick was the highlight for the hosts, while Alfie Severn’s and Sid Hale also contributed vital goals. Despite the defensive lapses, the entertainment value was high, and both teams will take positives from this goal-laden encounter.