In a commanding display, Lads Club U12 triumphed over Ledbury Swifts FC U12 Rovers with a final score of 2-0 in their league home match on 16 March 2025. The match, held at their home ground, kicked off at 10:30 am and was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 45 supporters.
Lads Club U12 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 Romeo Roberts forming a central defensive partnership. The midfield was packed with five players: Finn Jones on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a trio of central midfielders in Charlie Swain, Thomi Scoular, and Theo Lewis. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Lads Club U12 included Chase Bracegirdle, Musa Touray, Flyn Watkins, and Bodhi Round, providing depth and tactical flexibility as the match progressed.
The match began with an early attempt from Charlie Arnold in the third minute, but his effort sailed high over the bar, signalling Lads Club's intent. Just two minutes later, Oscar Jones had a shot saved, as the home side continued to press for an opening goal. Their persistence paid off in the tenth minute when Archie Rigby scored a stunning long-range direct free-kick, giving Lads Club a well-deserved lead.
However, Oscar Jones found himself in an offside position twice in quick succession, first in the 14th minute due to poor concentration and again in the 17th minute, this time thwarted by good defending. In the 21st minute, a tactical substitution saw Chase Bracegirdle replace Oscar Jones, aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Theo Lewis had a chance to extend the lead in the 22nd minute, but his shot was saved. Shortly after, Chase Bracegirdle was caught offside in the 24th minute due to a mistimed run. The first half concluded with Lads Club leading 1-0, but not without further attempts, including a wide shot from Charlie Swain in the 33rd minute and another saved effort from Charlie Arnold in the 34th minute.
As the second half commenced, Lads Club made two substitutions, bringing on Musa Touray and Flyn Watkins for Finn Jones and Thomi Scoular, respectively. Oscar Jones re-entered the fray, replacing Chase Bracegirdle, as the team looked to solidify their advantage.
Theo Lewis had another opportunity in the 45th minute, but his shot went wide. Lucas Price showcased his goalkeeping skills shortly after, diving at the feet of an opponent in the 49th minute and parrying a shot in the 50th minute, ensuring the clean sheet remained intact.
The breakthrough for Lads Club came in the 50th minute when Thomi Scoular scored after turning his defender from a long throw in from Charlie Swain. This goal effectively sealed the match for Lads Club, who continued to press for more.
Further substitutions saw Bodhi Round come on for Thomi Scoular in the 51st minute, and Oscar Jones replaced Charlie Arnold in the 53rd minute. Flyn Watkins was flagged offside in the 55th minute, although the decision was deemed incorrect by everyone other than the linesman. Bodhi Round was then caught offside in the 57th minute, but this time it was a result of good defending from Ledbury Swifts.
As the final whistle blew, Lads Club U12 celebrated a well-earned victory which also gave them the title of U12 Blue League Champions. Charlie Arnold earnt the accolade of Player of the Match for his influential performance throughout the game. The result not only made them league champions but also reinforces their growing confidence as a formidable side in the competition.
