In a gripping league encounter at Ledbury RFC on 20 October 2024, Lads Club U12 edged past Ledbury Swifts FC U12 Rovers with a final score of 3-2. The match, which kicked off at 10:45 am, showcased a blend of skill, determination, and tactical nous from both sides, but it was Lads Club who emerged victorious in this nine-a-side clash.
Lads Club U12 adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defensive structure. 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: Thomi Scoular, Charlie Swain, and Flyn Watkins. Up front, Oscar Jones was tasked with leading the line as the sole striker, expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for Lads Club included Bodhi Round, Musa Touray and Chase Bracegirdle, who would later be introduced to add fresh legs to the midfield.
The wind was blowing to support the Lads Club offense, but the pitch was sloping against them in the first half. The match began with an early setback for Lads Club as Ledbury Swifts took the lead just three minutes in, scoring from inside the box with a well-placed right-footed shot. This early goal put Lads Club on the back foot, but they quickly responded with intent. Oscar Jones attempted to level the score shortly after, but his effort went just wide of the target.
Lucas Price, the Lads Club goalkeeper, was called into action just minutes later, making a remarkable point-blank reaction save to deny Ledbury Swifts a second goal. The pressure continued as Thomi Scoular had a shot saved in the eighth minute, showcasing Lads Club's growing confidence.
Defensively, Archie Rigby made a crucial tackle in the tenth minute, preventing a clear chance for the opposition. Charlie Arnold then attempted a long pass, although it did not create a scoring opportunity it was straight through the triple defensive line that Ledbury were holding. Lucas Price's heroics continued as he executed a full-stretch save in the eleventh minute, keeping Lads Club in the game.
The breakthrough for Lads Club came in the 15th minute when Thomi Scoular found the back of the net after a surging run with a right-footed strike, bringing the score to 1-1. The momentum shifted, and Oscar Jones battled past the seven foot defender but his attempt was saved shortly after, demonstrating Lads Club's attacking prowess.
As the first half progressed, Romeo Roberts made another clearance in the 18th minute, while Flyn Watkins also had an impressive shot saved. Finn Jones also showcased his defensive skills with an interception in the 20th minute, maintaining Lads Club's resilience. However, Oscar Jones's shot went wide in the 22nd minute, and Charlie Arnold followed suit with another missed opportunity as his cross went unanswered shortly after.
Half time came early (5 minutes and 30 seconds early to be precise ??), the score remained level at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half commenced with Ledbury Swifts attacking early and regaining the lead just two minutes in, scoring a solo goal that left Lads Club trailing once more. However, Lads Club responded positively, with Finn Jones making a long pass to Thomi Scoular shortly after, but the Ledbury defense were able to gather control and clear
Lucas Price continued to impress, making a catch in the 34th minute before Bodhi Round, who had just come on, made an interception to thwart an attacking move from Ledbury Swifts. Price's point-blank reaction save in the 35th minute kept Lads Club in contention as they sought to equalise.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Archie Rigby scored from close range, assisted by a header from Oscar Jones that was initially delivered from a corner, bringing the score to 2-2. Lads Club's confidence surged, and Thomi Scoular attempted another long pass through the defense although it skidded too far for Oscar to reach.
The weather turned and the team's were now contending with sideways rain and a very soggy pitch, but the lads continued to dig deep. Musa Touray intercepted another attack from the on form Ledbury striker, then a quick one two put the Lads Club on the offensive again.
In the 39th minute, Thomi Scoular and Oscar Jones were both flagged offside, a decision that was deemed correct but showed the eagerness of the Lads to get a winning goal. However, Lads Club's persistence did payoff in the 48th minute when Oscar Jones capitalised on a defensive mistake assisting him to score the winning goal with his right footed strike sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory for Lads Club U12.
This match was a testament to Lads Club's resilience and tactical discipline, as they overcame early adversity and horrendous weather conditions to secure a vital three points in their league campaign and sit them rightly at the top of the table. Players of the match were the two wing backs Finn Jones and Charlie Arnold, the two lads ran thier hearts out and also put some great balls onto the box when on the offensive too. Great team display by all today. ??????
