In an exhilarating league encounter held on 8th March 2025 at their home ground, Lads Club Juniors U11 edged past Pheonix U11 with a final score of 2-1. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 36 supporters eager to witness the action unfold.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which saw Lucas Price stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive line was anchored by central defenders Archie Rigby and Romeo Roberts, while the midfield was packed with five players: Chase Bracegirdle on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a trio of central midfielders comprising Theo Lewis, Thomi Scoular, and Finn Jones. Oscar Jones led the line as the sole striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Lads Club Juniors included Mali Lewis, Flyn Watkins, and Musa Touray, who would later play pivotal roles as the match progressed.
The match began with an early attempt from Thomi Scoular in the third minute, but his effort went wide of the target, signalling Lads Club's intent. Just a minute later, Lucas Price showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a point-blank reaction save, denying Pheonix a potential opener.
Theo Lewis then tested the Pheonix goalkeeper in the eighth minute, but his shot was saved, followed by another attempt from Archie Rigby in the ninth that sailed high over the bar. Theo Lewis continued to be a creative force, delivering a flick pass in the tenth minute that opened up opportunities for his teammates.
In the eleventh minute, Lads Club made their first substitution, bringing on Mali Lewis for Chase Bracegirdle. The change did not disrupt their rhythm, as Rigby had another chance saved in the 14th minute, shortly after he provided a key pass that created an opportunity.
Oscar Jones had a chance to put Lads Club ahead in the 15th minute, but his shot hit the side netting. Lucas Price remained alert, catching a routine ball in the 22nd minute, while Rigby made a crucial tackle in the 23rd minute to prevent a Pheonix chance.
In the 24th minute, Flyn Watkins replaced Oscar Jones, followed by Musa Touray coming on for Charlie Arnold in the 25th minute. The substitutions proved timely as Thomi Scoular broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with a lob over the keeper, with his right foot to send the home crowd into raptures.
Price was called into action again in the 27th minute, diving at the feet of an advancing attacker, before Scoular attempted another shot that went wide. Musa Touray then had a chance in the 28th minute, but his effort was saved, only for Scoular to double Lads Club's lead moments later with a shot that crept over the line after hitting the far post, making it 2-0.
Pheonix responded swiftly, scoring in the 29th minute with a right-footed effort from inside the box, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 just before half-time. The first half concluded with a flurry of activity, including a wide attempt from Scoular and another from Finn Jones, both failing to extend Lads Club's lead.
The second half commenced with Scoular continuing to be a threat, but his shot in the 30th minute went wide. Finn Jones also missed the target shortly after. In the 32nd minute, Lads Club made a substitution, bringing back Chase Bracegirdle for Mali Lewis.
Oscar Jones returned to the pitch in the 35th minute, replacing Theo Lewis, who had to leave due to injury. Finn Jones had another opportunity in the 36th minute, but his shot went wide, while Rigby made another key contribution with a long pass that created a chance in the 38th minute.
In the 42nd minute, Charlie Arnold re-entered the fray, replacing Musa Touray. Oscar Jones had a chance to score in the 45th minute, but his shot was saved. Rigby continued to shine defensively, making a crucial tackle in the 46th minute to thwart a Pheonix attack.
As the match neared its conclusion, Lucas Price made an interception in the 57th minute, while Romeo Roberts also prevented a chance with an interception. Oscar Jones had one final attempt in the 60th minute, but it was once again saved, ensuring Lads Club Juniors held on for a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Archie Rigby was named Player of the Match for his outstanding defensive performance, contributing significantly to Lads Club's success on the day.
