In a gripping league encounter at Bartestree Village Hall on 22 March 2025, Lads Club Juniors U11 emerged victorious against Bartestree U11 with a final score of 2-1. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, drawing an audience of 24 spectators who witnessed a display of youthful talent and determination.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive line. Lucas Price took his position as goalkeeper, shielded by central defenders Archie Rigby and Romeo Roberts. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Finn Jones on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a trio of central midfielders: Theo Lewis, Thomi Scoular, and Flyn Watkins. Up front, Oscar Jones was tasked with leading the attack as the lone striker. The formation aimed to provide width through the flanks while ensuring a strong presence in the centre of the park.
The substitutes for Lads Club Juniors included Chase Bracegirdle and Musa Touray, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The action began early, with Oscar Jones making an attempt on goal just a minute into the match, but his effort went wide. Charlie Arnold quickly followed suit, delivering a cross that created a chance for Flyn Watkins but he failed to find the target sending his shot wide in the second minute.
Lucas Price was called into action in the third minute, showcasing his reflexes with a point-blank reaction save that kept the score level. Finn Jones then made a significant contribution with a cross in the fifth minute, which led to a breakthrough for Lads Club Juniors. Charlie Arnold volleyed home from close range, connecting beautifully with the cross from Finn to put his side ahead.
As the match progressed, Oscar Jones made another key pass in the ninth minute, demonstrating the team's attacking intent. Finn Jones continued to be influential, providing another long pass in the 15th minute that created a chance, although Charlie Arnold's subsequent attempt went wide.
In the 17th minute, Lads Club Juniors made their first substitution, bringing on Chase Bracegirdle for Thomi Scoular. Bracegirdle immediately made an impact, taking a shot that unfortunately went wide. Shortly after, Musa Touray replaced Finn Jones in the 19th minute, adding fresh legs to the midfield.
However, Bartestree responded with an equaliser in the 20th minute, scoring a close-range tap-in that brought the score to 1-1. Lads Club Juniors continued to press, with Musa Touray making two attempts in the 27th minute, both of which were saved by the Bartestree goalkeeper.
As the first half drew to a close, Lads Club Juniors went into the break at 1-1, but the second half promised more excitement. The teams returned to the pitch with Lads Club Juniors making two substitutions: Thomi Scoular came on for Oscar Jones, and Finn Jones replaced Charlie Arnold.
The second half saw Musa Touray take centre stage, scoring a stunning long-range strike just a minute after the restart, putting Lads Club Juniors back in the lead at 2-1. Theo Lewis attempted to extend the lead in the 37th minute, but his shot was saved.
Chase Bracegirdle had another opportunity in the 39th minute, but his effort was also saved, showcasing the resilience of the Bartestree defence. Musa Touray continued to shine, making a key pass in the 40th minute that created another chance, although Thomi Scoular's attempt went wide.
The match continued with both teams creating chances, but Lads Club Juniors' defence held firm. Archie Rigby made a crucial block on the goal line in the 46th minute, while Romeo Roberts executed a vital tackle in the 50th minute to prevent Bartestree from equalising.
As the match approached its final stages, Lads Club Juniors made further substitutions, bringing Finn Jones back on for Flyn Watkins in the 55th minute, and Chase Bracegirdle returned to the pitch in place of Musa Touray shortly after.
Oscar Jones had a late chance in the 56th minute, but his header sailed high, and the match concluded with Lads Club Juniors securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Musa Touray's standout performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, highlighting his impact in both midfield and attack. This win not only boosts Lads Club Juniors' confidence but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
