In an exhilarating league encounter at Jubilee Park on 19 January 2025, Corby Stewart & Lloyds U12 Irons edged past Rushden FC U12 with a final score of 2-1. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and showcased a thrilling display of youth football, with both teams demonstrating their skills and determination throughout the 60 minutes of play.
The Irons lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in midfield and attacking options up front. Jack McBride took his place in goal, with Balin Stewart, Kaiden Lloyd, and Riley Clark forming a resolute back three. The midfield quartet consisted of Ted Althorpe on the right, Cody Wykes and Jacob Kajura centrally, and Jude Walker on the left, providing width and support to the lone striker, Liam Gartshore.
The substitutes for the match included Jak Taylor, Bobby Thomson, Harry Kelly, Danielius Vitochinas, George Davis, and Rory Miles, all of whom were poised to make an impact from the bench.
The match began with Rushden FC taking an early lead in the 11th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the Irons. The goal served as a wake-up call for Corby Stewart & Lloyds, who quickly regrouped and began to assert their presence on the pitch.
In a tactical reshuffle, the Irons made three substitutions in the 16th minute, bringing on Jak Taylor for Cody Wykes, Bobby Thomson for Ted Althorpe, and Harry Kelly for Jude Walker. This change injected fresh energy into the team, and it was evident that the Irons were keen to respond.
The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute when Liam Gartshore found the back of the net, assisted by Balin Stewart. This equaliser not only lifted the spirits of the Irons but also shifted the momentum in their favour as they entered the half-time break level at 1-1.
As the second half commenced, the Irons made a crucial change, introducing Danielius Vitochinas for goalkeeper Jack McBride in the 30th minute. This substitution was followed by another, with George Davis replacing Balin Stewart, who had already made a significant contribution to the game.
The second half saw the Irons continue to press for a winner, and their persistence paid off just a minute after the hour mark. In the 56th minute, Cody Wykes scored the decisive goal, once again assisted by Balin Stewart, who had returned to the pitch after a brief rest. This goal sent the Irons into a jubilant celebration, as they now held a 2-1 lead.
In the closing stages of the match, further substitutions were made to maintain the team's momentum and energy. Harry Kelly came on for Bobby Thomson in the 58th minute, while Jacob Kajura was replaced by Rory Miles in the 55th minute.
Despite Rushden FC's attempts to find an equaliser, the Irons' defence held firm, and they managed to see out the match with a well-deserved victory. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 win for Corby Stewart & Lloyds U12 Irons, a result that showcased their resilience and teamwork in a competitive league fixture.
