In a closely matched end to the league, Lads Club Juniors U11 triumphed over Bartestree U11 with a final score of 2-0 on 5th April 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and saw an enthusiastic crowd of 38 supporters cheering on their teams throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive line. Lucas Price was stationed in goal, providing a reliable last line of defence. The central defensive duo of Archie Rigby and Louis Howells ensured stability at the back, while the five-man midfield comprised Finn Jones on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a trio of central midfielders: Theo Lewis, Thomi Scoular, and Flyn Watkins. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Lads Club Juniors included Chase Bracegirdle, Musa Touray, and Romeo Roberts, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The game began with an early scare for Lads Club as Lucas Price made a crucial save just one minute in, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess. Lads Club Juniors quickly settled into their rhythm, with Charlie Arnold testing the Bartestree goalkeeper twice in quick succession at the 16th minute, first with a shot that was saved and then with an effort that sailed just over the bar.
In the 17th minute, Lads Club Juniors made their first substitution, bringing on Chase Bracegirdle for Finn Jones. This change aimed to inject fresh legs into the midfield. Shortly after, Theo Lewis had a chance to score but his back heel effort was denied by another solid save from the Bartestree keeper in the 18th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Thomi Scoular confidently converted a penalty, giving Lads Club Juniors a well-deserved lead. Oscar Jones had a long range shot that was saved. The first half concluded with the score at 1-0, as both teams headed into the break.
The second half commenced with a substitution for Lads Club Juniors, as Romeo Roberts replaced Oscar Jones. The match continued to see Lads Club Juniors pressing for a second goal, with a couple of half chances that the Bartestree keeper was able to collect comfortably. Oscar Jones was re introduced to the game as Lads Club looked to push for another goal.
As the game progressed, Lads Club Juniors made further substitutions, with Romeo Roberts returning to the pitch in the 47th minute, replacing Finn Jones, who had sustained an ankle injury. The team continued to create opportunities, with Charlie Arnold and Theo Lewis both having shots saved in quick succession. Archie made a strong tackle just outside the box to prevent Bartestree creating a one on one opportunity with Lucas Price.
In the 56th minute, Charlie Arnold made a key pass that created a chance, demonstrating his playmaking abilities. Chase Bracegirdle got onto the end of it but his shot was saved. The pressure finally paid off in the 57th minute when Charlie Arnold scored, assisted by Bracegirdle's pass. Arnold's right-footed strike from just inside the box went through the keepers legs to double Lads Club Juniors' lead to 2-0.
As the match drew to a close, Romeo Roberts and Louis Howell both made vital interceptions, preventing potential chances for Bartestree, ensuring a clean sheet for Lucas Price. The final whistle blew, confirming Lads Club Juniors' impressive 2-0 victory over Bartestree U11, a result that showcased their tactical discipline and attacking flair. Thomi Schoular earnt the player of the match today with his sheer grit and determination to win the ball, as well as keeping a cool head for the penalty. ??.
