Tenisons III Dominate In 8-2 Rout

Tenisons III welcomed Alleyn Old Boys 4th to Archbishop Tenison's School Sports Ground #1 on 22 November 2025 for a 12:30pm league fixture that ended in a resounding 8-2 victory for the home side.

The match burst into life with Tenisons III taking the lead in the 24th minute when Sean Smith found the net, giving the hosts an early advantage. Eight minutes later, Sonny Smith doubled the lead, expertly finishing a move set up by Garth Foley’s precise assist. However, Alleyn Old Boys 4th responded swiftly, pulling a goal back in the 34th minute to reduce the deficit. Their fightback continued as they scored again in the 40th minute, levelling the contest and setting up a tense finish to the first half.

Tenisons III restored their lead just before the interval, with right back Sam Gleeson venturing forward to score in the 43rd minute, demonstrating the attacking intent of the full-backs in this formation. At half-time, the score stood at 4-2 in favour of Tenisons III. During the break, Tenisons III made two substitutions: Sahr Gbembo replaced Luke Hinds, and Archie Booth came on for Max Haley-Neilson, signalling a tactical refresh to maintain momentum.

The second half saw Tenisons III quickly reassert control. Sean Smith was the star of the show, netting twice more in the 53rd and 60th minutes to complete his hat-trick and extend the lead to 6-2. The home side continued to rotate personnel with Sean McCoy coming on for Dave Garry in the 64th minute, adding fresh legs to the defensive line.

Shortly after, Sahr Gbembo scored in the 66th minute, capitalising on an assist from Sam Gleeson, who was proving influential from right back. Further changes followed with Val Sunday replacing Luke Hinds in the 71st minute and Max Haley-Neilson returning to the pitch for Garth Foley two minutes later, restoring the attacking midfield balance.

Max Haley-Neilson made an immediate impact by scoring in the 83rd minute, adding to the growing tally and underlining the potency of Tenisons III’s attacking trio. The scoring spree was rounded off in the 88th minute when left back PJ J Kelly ventured forward to score from a Sean Smith assist, showcasing the fluidity and attacking freedom afforded to the full-backs in this system.

Throughout the match, Tenisons III’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for a balanced approach, with the double pivot of Sunday and Foley (and later their replacements) providing stability and distribution, while the attacking midfielders and full-backs contributed significantly to the goal tally. Sean Smith’s clinical finishing and involvement in multiple goals highlighted his pivotal role as a right attacking midfielder, while the full-backs’ contributions in both defence and attack were crucial.

In the end, Tenisons III delivered a comprehensive performance, outclassing Alleyn Old Boys 4th with an emphatic 8-2 scoreline at home, a result that will boost their confidence and league standing significantly.