In a thrilling cup encounter held on 1st February 2025 at their home ground, Lads Club Juniors U11 secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Pegasus Youth Flyers U11. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and saw an enthusiastic crowd of 63 supporters cheering on the young talents.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive line. Lucas Price stood guard in goal, with Archie Rigby and Louis Howells forming a central defensive partnership. The midfield was packed with five players: Finn Jones and Charlie Arnold on the flanks, while Flyn Watkins, Charlie Swain, and Thomi Scoular operated centrally. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Lads Club Juniors included Mali Lewis, Chase Bracegirdle, and Romeo Roberts, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The match began with an early attempt from Thomi Scoular in the third minute, but his effort went wide, signalling Lads Club's intent. Just four minutes later, Scoular made amends by scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute, converting a cross from Oscar Jones with his right foot from close range. The roars from the crowd could be heard from the club house. This early lead set the tone for the home side.
Oscar Jones continued to be a threat, but his attempt in the eighth minute also went wide. The pressure mounted on Pegasus as Archie Rigby tested their goalkeeper with a long range free kick that was saved in the tenth minute. Scoular was again involved shortly after, but his effort in the eleventh minute was also saved, showcasing the relentless attacking play from Lads Club Juniors.
In the 18th minute, Oscar Jones was controversially flagged offside, a decision that most deemed to be incorrect. He quickly shook off the disappointment and had another chance in the 19th minute, but his shot went wide again. However, Oscar Jones found his scoring touch in the 24th minute, netting Lads Club's second goal with a left-footed strike from close range, assisted by Charlie Swain's precise short pass. He celebrated with his Phil Foden sniper action.
Pegasus Youth Flyers responded swiftly, pulling one back in the 27th minute with a tap in goal from a precisely placed corner kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The first half concluded with Lads Club Juniors leading, but the match was far from over.
During the break, Mali Lewis was introduced, replacing Flyn Watkins. Finn Jones then made a significant impact in the 37th minute with a long pass that created a chance, demonstrating his playmaking abilities. Archie Rigby continued to excel defensively, making an interception in the 39th minute to thwart Pegasus's advances.
In the 40th minute, Chase Bracegirdle came on for Mali Lewis due to injury, adding fresh legs to the midfield. The match saw Oscar Jones flagged offside again in the 44th minute, this time correctly, as Pegasus defended well.
Thomi Scoular had another opportunity in the 47th minute, but his shot went wide, reflecting the frustration of the Lads Club forwards. However, Finn Jones found the net in the 48th minute, scoring Lads Club's third goal with a right-footed shot, assisted by Chase Bracegirdle's cross. Charlie Swain continued to hold the midfield together sas he thwarted the Pegasus attack to create an attacking opportunity for Finn.
As the match progressed, Scoular continued to press but missed another chance in the 48th minute. Romeo Roberts was introduced in the 49th minute, replacing Charlie Arnold to add some more defensive power to the back two, as Lads Club looked to maintain their lead. Rigby was again solid defensively, making another interception in the 54th minute.
Lucas Price showcased his goalkeeping skills with a catch in the 55th minute, ensuring that Lads Club maintained their two-goal cushion. Oscar Jones was flagged offside once more in the 55th minute, as Pegasus defended resolutely.
Louis Howells made a crucial tackle in the 58th minute, preventing any further threats from Pegasus. Finn Jones capped off a fine performance with a slide rule pass in the 59th minute, creating yet another opportunity for Lads Club Juniors as the match drew to a close.
The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved 3-1 victory for Lads Club Juniors U11, who displayed a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity throughout the match. The young players will take great confidence from this performance as they progress in the cup competition.
