On a frosty January afternoon, the only Mid Lancashire Football League fixture of the day saw Astley FC and Cube FC lock horns at Westway Sports Hub in Chorley. Despite the biting cold, around 30 dedicated spectators gathered to witness what turned out to be a pulsating encounter. The game had it all: stunning goals, late drama, and a virtuoso performance from Cube FC’s Dapo Alli, who bagged a hat-trick to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for his team.
Astley FC looked poised for a strong showing early on, with Charlie Young showcasing his flair and scoring twice in the first half. However, Cube FC, led by the unstoppable Alli, refused to back down, turning the game on its head in a breathless battle until the final whistle.
The match kicked off with Astley FC asserting early dominance. It took just six minutes for Charlie Young to light up the game with a spectacular bicycle kick from close range. Astley doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when Young smashed home from just inside the penalty area, capping off an impressive opening spell for the hosts.
Cube FC, however, began to find their rhythm as the first half wore on, and Dapo Alli took matters into his own hands. In the 45th minute, Alli unleashed a powerful strike from 18 yards, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Barely a minute later, he capitalized on a mix-up in the Astley defense, jumping over the keeper to slot the ball into an empty net, leveling the score at 2-2.
As the half drew to a close, Astley struck back in stoppage time. A pinpoint cross found Adam Henshall, who rose highest to nod the ball into the net, giving the hosts a slender 3-2 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw both teams battling fiercely, but clear-cut chances were few and far between until the final stages. Cube FC’s Claudiniho Junior made his mark in the 81st minute, drilling a low shot from the edge of the box to make it 3-3. The game seemed destined for a draw until Dapo Alli produced a moment of pure brilliance in the 86th minute. Picking up the ball at the halfway line, Alli weaved past multiple defenders before coolly finishing past the Astley goalkeeper, completing his hat-trick and sealing the win for Cube FC.