Lancot Vipers Dominate Shillington Hawks 8-1 In Early Morning League Clash

Lancot Vipers welcomed Shillington Hawks to Shillington on the morning of 29 November 2025 for a 5-a-side league match, kicking off promptly at 9:00am. The Vipers produced a commanding display to secure an emphatic 8-1 victory over their opponents in a shortened 40-minute contest plus injury time.

The Vipers lined up in a 2-1-1 formation, a tactical setup designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield creativity and attacking potency. Jack Querino started in goal, tasked with organising the defence and providing a reliable last line. Joshua Lay-Flurrie and Ethan Gibson operated as central defenders, expected to shield the goal and initiate attacks from the back. Harrison Bradding took up the central midfield role, charged with linking defence and attack, distributing passes, and supporting both ends of the pitch. Leading the line was Oakley Wright as the lone striker, whose primary responsibility was to convert chances and spearhead the offensive efforts.

On the bench, Caleb Taylor and Jake Finch were named as substitutes, ready to inject fresh legs and maintain the team’s intensity as the match progressed.

The game began explosively with Shillington Hawks taking an early lead inside the first minute, catching the Vipers off guard. However, the Vipers responded immediately. Just a minute later, Oakley Wright was on the scoresheet, expertly finishing a precise assist from Harrison Bradding to level the match. Wright’s clinical edge was evident again in the sixth minute when he doubled the Vipers’ advantage, once more set up by Bradding’s incisive passing.

The Vipers continued to dominate possession and territory, and in the ninth minute, Bradding himself found the net, converting a well-timed assist from Wright to extend the lead to 3-1. The relentless pressure paid off again shortly after when a substitution saw Caleb Taylor replace goalkeeper Jack Querino at the tenth minute mark, signalling a tactical shift or perhaps a response to the early goal conceded.

Bradding was again on target in the 13th minute, this time assisted by central defender Joshua Lay-Flurrie, who demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively from the back. This goal pushed the scoreline to 4-1, firmly putting the Vipers in control as the first half wore on.

The half concluded at the 20-minute mark with the Vipers comfortably ahead. Immediately after the break, Jake Finch replaced Oakley Wright, indicating a fresh attacking option to maintain the team’s momentum.

The second half saw Ethan Gibson step up with a spectacular long-range strike from outside the box in the 27th minute, firing a right-footed shot that left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance. This goal highlighted Gibson’s versatility and threat beyond his defensive duties.

Wright returned to the scoresheet in the 29th minute, reaffirming his role as the Vipers’ primary goal threat despite his earlier substitution. The final goal came in the 36th minute when Bradding completed his hat-trick, once again assisted by Wright, cementing the Vipers’ dominance and sealing an 8-1 victory.

Ethan Gibson’s commanding defensive performance and crucial long-range goal earned him the player of the match accolade, underscoring his vital contribution to the Vipers’ comprehensive win.

Lancot Vipers’ clinical finishing, cohesive teamwork, and tactical discipline ensured a resounding triumph over Shillington Hawks in this early morning league fixture.