In an unusually flat display, Lads Club U12 triumphed over Belmont U12 Hammers with a resounding 5-0 victory during their league away match at Belmont Pitches on 19 January 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with a packed line of spectators witnessing a deflated game of youth football.
Lads Club U12 lined up in a 2-5-1 formation, designed to provide a strong defensive foundation while allowing for fluid attacking play. Romeo Roberts took his position as goalkeeper, shielded by central defenders Archie Rigby and Louis Howells. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Chase Bracegirdle on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a trio of central midfielders: Flyn Watkins, Thomi Scoular, and Finn Jones. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Lads Club U12 included Musa Touray, Bodhi Round, and Lucas Price, who would all play pivotal roles as the match unfolded.
The game began with an early attempt from Finn Jones, who fired over the bar within the first two minutes, signalling Lads Club's intent. Flyn Watkins quickly showcased his defensive prowess with a well-timed tackle in the fifth minute, ensuring Belmont could not find their rhythm.
In the ninth minute, a substitution was forced as Chase Bracegirdle exited due to injury, making way for Musa Touray. Just moments later, Archie Rigby opened the scoring with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, striking with his right foot into the neat side top corner to put Lads Club ahead.
Finn Jones was instrumental in the following moments, delivering a long pass that created a chance just a minute later. He then turned provider in the 11th minute, assisting Oscar Jones with a precise cross that the striker converted with a tap in volley on his left foot, doubling the lead.
As the first half progressed, Oscar Jones continued to threaten, but his attempts in the 14th and 19th minutes were saved and his one on one attempt bobbled wide. Rigby was also active, narrowly missing with a shot in the 18th minute. The defensive duo of Rigby and Howells remained vigilant, with Rigby making a crucial interception in the 20th minute to prevent a potential Belmont attack and Louis mopping up any balls over the top.
Finn Jones found the net again in the 24th minute, scoring from jusy outside the area after a clever cross from Thomi Scoular. The relentless pressure from Lads Club saw Bodhi Round's attempt saved shortly after, while Lucas Price's effort in the 27th minute went wide. Romeo only had a few back passes to deal with throughout the 39 minutes.
The first half concluded with Lads Club leading 3-0, a scoreline that reflected their dominance.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as the teams returned to the pitch. Romeo Roberts was replaced between the sticks by Thomi Scoular who is resting his pulld Quadricep, while Chase Bracegirdle and Flyn Watkins also re-entered the fray. The fresh legs continued to push Lads Club's advantage, with Bracegirdle attempting a shot that went high in the 31st minute.
Charlie Arnold added to the tally in the 42nd minute, scoring from close range with his right foot after a well-placed pass. The attacking momentum continued, with Louis Howells making a key pass shortly after, although Charlie Arnold's goal was flagged for offside in the 44th minute.
Finn Jones netted his second goal of the match in the 55th minute, finishing inside the box with his right foot to extend the lead to 5-0. The match saw further substitutions, with Lucas Price and Chase Bracegirdle returning to the pitch, while Bodhi Round took the place of Louis Howells.
In the dying minutes, Finn Jones committed a late tackle, resulting in a free kick for Belmont, but they were unable to capitalise on the advantage. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Lads Club U12, who managed to win comfortably even though thier usual creativity was left in bed this morning.
