Plymouth Parkway Youth U12 Suffer Defeat At Elburton Villa

Plymouth Parkway Youth U12 faced a challenging away fixture against Elburton Villa Junior Juniors U12 on 26 October 2024, at Morley Meadow Primary School. The match kicked off at 12:30pm and concluded with a disappointing scoreline of 1-3 in favour of the hosts, marking a tough outing for the young Parkway side.

In a 3-4-1 formation, Plymouth Parkway lined up with three defenders at the back, four midfielders across the centre and flanks, and a lone forward tasked with spearheading their attack. The defensive trio was expected to provide stability, while the midfielders were crucial in both supporting the attack and tracking back to defend. The single forward was relied upon to create chances and finish opportunities as they arose.

The match began with both teams eager to assert themselves, but it was Elburton Villa who quickly found their rhythm. The first half saw a flurry of activity, culminating in a pivotal moment just before the half-time whistle. As the teams headed into the break at 30 minutes, the score remained goalless, with both sides having opportunities but unable to convert.

However, the second half proved to be a different story. Elburton Villa came out with renewed vigour and struck first, taking the lead with a well-placed shot that left the Parkway goalkeeper with little chance. This goal ignited a flurry of action, as Parkway sought to respond quickly.

Despite their best efforts, Parkway found themselves on the back foot as Elburton Villa doubled their advantage shortly after. The young Parkway players struggled to regain their composure, and the Villa side capitalised on their momentum, adding a third goal to their tally.

Plymouth Parkway did manage to pull one back, showcasing their resilience and determination. A well-worked move culminated in a goal that reignited hope for the visitors. However, time was not on their side, and they were unable to find an equaliser.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreline read 3-1 in favour of Elburton Villa, leaving Plymouth Parkway with much to ponder. The performance of Reno Reid stood out amidst the disappointment, earning him recognition as Player of the Match for his efforts throughout the contest.

Referee Ryan Penter officiated the match with a commendable performance, ensuring that the game flowed smoothly despite the competitive nature of the encounter. The attendance of 70 spectators witnessed a spirited display from both teams, but ultimately it was Elburton Villa who emerged victorious on their home turf.