Vocal FC Suffer 4-2 Defeat To Denton United At Northampton

The Vocal FC hosted Denton United at Northampton on 14 September 2025, with a 10:30am kick-off in a league home match. Despite taking an early lead and showing promising attacking intent, The Vocal FC ultimately fell to a 4-2 defeat after a second-half Denton United fightback.

The Vocal FC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Jon Noka took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Owen Baker at right back, Jordan Mead and Stena Lovatt as central defenders, and Shane Jones on the left. In midfield, Daniel Oates and Charlie Lovell operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both breaking up play and supporting forward moves. Ahead of them, Stena Lovatt Jnr played in the attacking midfield role, linking midfield and attack. The front three featured Tarek Rahman on the right wing, Shaun Melville leading the line as striker, and Aimene Mehennaoui on the left wing. The substitutes named were Alex Codner, Tom Garrett, and George Noble.

The match began with The Vocal FC showing intent, and it was Aimene Mehennaoui who opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Receiving a well-weighted assist from Tarek Rahman, Mehennaoui finished clinically to give the hosts an early advantage. The momentum continued as Stena Lovatt Jnr doubled the lead in the 38th minute, converting a chance created by Shaun Melville’s assist. The first half concluded with The Vocal FC firmly in control at 2-0.

However, the second half saw Denton United respond with renewed vigour. Their comeback began in the 54th minute when they pulled a goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The Vocal FC made their first substitution in the 61st minute, with Alex Codner replacing Owen Baker at right back, perhaps seeking fresh legs to contain Denton’s growing threat. Despite this, Denton United struck again in the 69th minute to level the match at 2-2.

The Vocal FC attempted to regain control with further changes, bringing on Tom Garrett for Charlie Lovell in midfield at the 73rd minute, followed by George Noble replacing the attacking midfielder Stena Lovatt Jnr two minutes later. These tactical adjustments aimed to restore the team’s attacking impetus and defensive stability.

Unfortunately for The Vocal FC, Denton United continued to dominate the closing stages. They took the lead for the first time in the match with a goal in the 79th minute, turning the game on its head. The visitors then sealed their victory with a fourth goal in the 88th minute, leaving The Vocal FC unable to respond before the final whistle.

Despite a promising start and two well-taken goals in the first half, The Vocal FC were undone by a resilient Denton United side who capitalised on second-half opportunities. The home side’s defensive frailties were exposed after the break, and although substitutions were made to try and stem the tide, Denton’s clinical finishing proved decisive in this 4-2 outcome.