In a commanding display of football, Lads Club U12 triumphed over Ludlow Town Knights U12 with a resounding 6-0 victory in their league home match at Hereford Lads Club on 26 January 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the home side showcased their attacking prowess throughout the encounter, leaving the visitors struggling to keep pace.
Lads Club adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield and create numerous scoring opportunities. Romeo Roberts stood firm in goal, while the central defensive duo of Archie Rigby and Louis Howells provided a solid backbone. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Chase Bracegirdle and Charlie Arnold on the flanks, with Flyn Watkins, Musa Touray, and Charlie Swain controlling the central areas. Up front, Oscar Jones was tasked with leading the line, supported by the midfielders in a fluid attacking setup.
The substitutes for Lads Club included Finn Jones, Bodhi Round, Thomi Scoular, and Lucas Price, who would later play pivotal roles in the match as the game unfolded.
The match began with an early attempt from Oscar Jones, who tested the Ludlow goalkeeper just two minutes in, but his effort was saved. However, the breakthrough came shortly after, in the sixth minute, when an unfortunate own goal from a Ludlow defender gifted Lads Club a 1-0 lead. The volley, struck with the right foot, set the tone for what was to follow.
As the game progressed, Lads Club continued to assert their dominance. In the 13th minute, Finn Jones replaced Flyn Watkins, followed closely by Bodhi Round and Thomi Scoular coming on for Chase Bracegirdle and Musa Touray respectively, and Lucas Price taking over from Charlie Arnold. These substitutions injected fresh energy into the side, maintaining their attacking momentum.
Oscar Jones remained a constant threat, making several attempts on goal, but each time he was thwarted by the Ludlow goalkeeper. His persistence paid off, however, as he made a key pass in the 17th minute, although it did not result in a chance created. Meanwhile, Romeo Roberts showcased his goalkeeping skills with a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent in the 22nd minute, ensuring his clean sheet remained intact.
The first half concluded with Lads Club leading 1-0, but the second half saw them ramp up their efforts. Lucas Price doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, following a short pass from Flyn Watkins. This goal seemed to energise the home side further.
Just six minutes later, Thomi Scoular found the net, scoring from inside the box after receiving a precise short pass from Charlie Swain, extending the lead to 3-0. Lucas Price then added his second goal of the match in the 47th minute, showcasing his finishing ability with a well-placed shot.
Lads Club were relentless, and in the 53rd minute, Flyn Watkins scored from close range, assisted by Louis Howells, making it 5-0. The visitors were left reeling as the home side continued to press forward.
The final goal of the match came in the 58th minute, when Chase Bracegirdle capitalised on a well-placed cross from Oscar Jones, scoring from close range to seal the emphatic 6-0 victory.
Romeo Roberts was instrumental in the team's success, earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his commanding presence in goal and his crucial saves throughout the match. Lads Club U12's performance was a testament to their teamwork and skill, leaving them in high spirits as they look forward to their next challenge.
