Malet Vikings U16 Fall Short Against Hull United Juniors CIC U16 Whites

In a thrilling encounter at Haworth Park on 30 April 2025, Malet Vikings U16 faced Hull United Juniors CIC U16 Whites in a league away match that ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat for the Vikings. The match kicked off at 6:00pm and was officiated by U Referee, with an attendance of 20 spectators witnessing the action unfold.

Malet Vikings adopted a 3-5-2 formation, which saw Linden Maughan in goal, shielded by a back three comprising Lucas Hunt, Alfie Jackman, and Axel Nicholson. The midfield was packed with five players, featuring Logan Pashley and Eliot Wilberforce on the right and left flanks respectively, while Tommy Anson, Will Schrimshaw, and Alex Ward operated centrally. Up front, Lucas Applegate and Ronnie Fuller formed a dynamic partnership, tasked with converting chances into goals.

The match began with Malet Vikings asserting their intent early on. Just six minutes in, Will Schrimshaw opened the scoring with a well-placed right-footed shot, following a long pass from Tommy Anson. This early goal set the tone for a competitive first half, with the Vikings looking to build on their lead.

As the game progressed, the Vikings continued to press, and their efforts bore fruit again in the 33rd minute. Ronnie Fuller unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Lucas Applegate, doubling the Vikings' advantage and sending their supporters into raptures. At this point, the Vikings were firmly in control, leading 2-0 as the half drew to a close.

However, the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Just after the restart, Hull United Juniors struck back with a well-executed team move, scoring with a right-footed effort that caught the Vikings' defence off guard. This goal revitalised Hull and shifted the balance of the match.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when they capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, finding the net from close range to level the score at 2-2. The Vikings, who had been so dominant in the first half, now found themselves on the back foot.

The situation worsened for Malet Vikings in the 66th minute when Hull United Juniors scored again, once more taking advantage of a chaotic moment in the box. Another close-range effort with a right foot completed the turnaround, putting the Vikings behind 3-2.

Despite their best efforts to regain control and find an equaliser, Malet Vikings were unable to break through Hull's resolute defence in the closing stages. The match ended with the Vikings narrowly defeated, leaving them to reflect on a game that promised so much but ultimately slipped away.

Lucas Applegate and Will Schrimshaw were standout performers for Malet Vikings, each contributing significantly to the team's efforts. The defeat, while disappointing, showcased the potential of the Vikings, who will look to bounce back in their next fixture.