Lancot Vipers Outscore Stopsley Sharks 10-6 In Thrilling 5-A-Side League Clash

Lancot Vipers hosted Stopsley Sharks at Dunstable Ardley Hill on 22 November 2025, with the 10:00am kick-off signalling the start of a pulsating 40-minute five-a-side league encounter. The Vipers emerged victorious in a high-scoring contest, edging the Sharks 10-6 in a match packed with goals and tactical shifts.

Lancot Vipers lined up in a 2-1-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, a central midfielder, and a lone striker. Caleb Taylor took his place in goal, tasked with organising the defence and keeping the Sharks at bay. Joshua Lay-Flurrie and Albion Hasanaj formed the central defensive partnership, expected to provide solidity and initiate attacks from the back. Harrison Bradding operated in central midfield, linking defence and attack, while Oakley Wright spearheaded the line as the primary goal threat. The substitutes bench included Chloe Byass, Teddy Young, Jack Querino, Ethan Gibson, Alex Forbes, and Jake Finch, ready to inject fresh legs and tactical adjustments as the game unfolded.

The match burst into life immediately as Oakley Wright opened the scoring in the first minute, expertly finishing a move set up by Joshua Lay-Flurrie’s precise assist. However, the Vipers’ joy was short-lived as Stopsley Sharks responded instantly, with a goal also arriving in the opening minute, assisted by substitute Chloe Byass who had replaced Lay-Flurrie immediately after the opening goal. This early exchange set the tone for a frenetic encounter.

By the fifth minute, Harrison Bradding restored the Vipers’ lead with a composed finish, demonstrating his influence in midfield. Oakley Wright then doubled his tally at the eighth minute, again benefiting from Lay-Flurrie’s creative distribution. Shortly after, Albion Hasanaj was substituted off for Teddy Young, signalling the Vipers’ intent to maintain intensity and defensive resilience.

Wright’s goal-scoring spree continued as he netted again in the 14th minute, this time assisted by Hasanaj before his departure, followed swiftly by another goal a minute later, underscoring his clinical finishing and positioning. The Vipers made another change at the 18th minute, with Jack Querino replacing goalkeeper Caleb Taylor, perhaps to bring fresh energy between the sticks.

As the half drew to a close, the Vipers made further substitutions: Ethan Gibson came on for Harrison Bradding at the 20th minute, and Alex Forbes replaced Oakley Wright a minute later. Despite these changes, Stopsley Sharks managed to pull one back in the 23rd minute, keeping the contest alive heading into the break.

The second half saw continued tactical rotations, with Jake Finch entering for Teddy Young at the 25th minute. The Sharks capitalised on this period of adjustment, scoring twice in quick succession at the 27th and 28th minutes, narrowing the deficit and ramping up the pressure on the home side.

Lancot Vipers responded with a burst of goals starting at the 30th minute when Joshua Lay-Flurrie found the net, followed immediately by Harrison Bradding, who was assisted by Oakley Wright before his substitution. The momentum swung further in the Vipers’ favour as Jake Finch scored at the 31st minute, assisted by Lay-Flurrie, and Wright himself returned to the scoresheet, this time assisted by Chloe Byass.

Stopsley Sharks refused to relent, scoring again at the 32nd minute, but the Vipers maintained their attacking threat. The Sharks added another goal at the 37th minute, keeping the scoreboard ticking over in a match that was as much about entertainment as it was competition.

In the closing stages, Oakley Wright sealed his remarkable performance with a goal at the 38th minute, assisted by Teddy Young, cementing the Vipers’ commanding lead. The final whistle confirmed a 10-6 victory for Lancot Vipers in a match that showcased attacking flair, tactical flexibility, and relentless intensity.

Alex Forbes, who came on in the second half, was named player of the match for his influential presence and contribution to the Vipers’ dominant display. This victory at Dunstable Ardley Hill will surely boost Lancot Vipers’ confidence as they continue their league campaign.