In a gripping league encounter at Oxstalls, Gloucester City AFC U11s triumphed over Wiltshire Football AFC U11s with a scoreline of 2-1 on 14 December 2024. The match kicked off at 10:15 am, and the young Tigers showcased their resilience and skill throughout the 80 minutes of play, securing a vital victory on home turf.
Gloucester City lined up in a 2-5-1 formation, with Zach Holehouse stationed in goal. The defensive pair consisted of AJ Morton-Ellison and Croyde Owen, tasked with providing a solid backline. In midfield, Lewis Sprosen occupied the right flank, while Edward Pearce took up the left. Central midfield duties were shared by Caleb Hayter, Henry Fowler, and Kayden Parris, who were expected to control the tempo and link play effectively. Asa Rees led the line as the sole striker, aiming to convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Gloucester included Harry Kent, Ronny Hocking, Leo Feighery, and Jack Gough, all poised to make an impact from the bench as the match progressed.
The action began early, with Gloucester City taking the lead in just the seventh minute. Edward Pearce found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Caleb Hayter, sending the home crowd into raptures. The Tigers maintained their momentum, pressing Wiltshire and looking to extend their advantage.
However, the match took a turn as Gloucester made a series of substitutions in the 20th minute. Harry Kent replaced Croyde Owen, Ronny Hocking came on for Asa Rees, Leo Feighery took over from Caleb Hayter, and Jack Gough stepped in for Edward Pearce. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the team as they sought to consolidate their lead.
Gloucester's persistence paid off again in the 35th minute when Leo Feighery scored, assisted by Henry Fowler. The Tigers were now 2-0 up and appeared to be in control as they approached half-time. However, just before the break, Wiltshire was awarded a penalty, which they converted, bringing the score to 2-1 and ensuring a tense second half.
The first half concluded with Gloucester leading 2-1, but the match was far from over. The second half saw Gloucester make further substitutions, with Croyde Owen returning to the pitch in the 49th minute, replacing AJ Morton-Ellison. Ronny Hocking was substituted off for Henry Fowler shortly after, in the 51st minute, as Gloucester looked to maintain their midfield strength.
In the 60th minute, Kayden Parris made way for Harry Fowler, while Lewis Sprosen returned to the fray, replacing Jack Gough. The substitutions continued to flow, with Edward Pearce coming back on for Asa Rees in the 70th minute, and Croyde Owen re-entering the match for Harry Kent shortly after.
Despite Wiltshire's attempts to find an equaliser, Gloucester's defence held firm, showcasing their determination and tactical discipline. The young Tigers managed to see out the match, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory that highlighted their potential and teamwork.
As the final whistle blew, Gloucester City AFC U11s celebrated a well-deserved win, leaving them in high spirits as they look ahead to their next challenge.
