In a commanding performance, Lads Club U12 secured an emphatic 8-0 victory over Orleton Irons U12 during their league home match at Hereford Lads Club 3G on 17 November 2024. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with a modest crowd of 26 spectators witnessing a display of skill and teamwork from the home side.
Lads Club adopted a 2-5-1 formation, with Chase Bracegirdle in goal, flanked by central defenders Archie Rigby and Romeo Roberts. The midfield was packed with five players: Bodhi Round on the right, Charlie Arnold on the left, and a central trio of Thomi Scoular, Charlie Swain, and Finn Jones. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals. The formation allowed for a strong midfield presence, enabling quick transitions and support for the attack.
The substitutes for Lads Club included Lucas Price and Mali Lewis, who would later be called upon to make an impact as the match progressed.
The match began with an early attempt from Romeo Roberts, who shot high within the first four minutes, signalling Lads Club's intent. Just a minute later, Archie Rigby followed up with a shot that also went wide, as the home side continued to press. Charlie Swain then had a shot saved in the sixth minute, with Thomi Scoular also missing the target shortly after.
Archie Rigby showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial interception in the eighth minute, preventing a potential chance for Orleton. The home side's persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Thomi Scoular opened the scoring, converting a close-range effort following a cross from Oscar Jones. Oscar Jones himself then netted a lovely through ball but the linesman had raised his flag for offside (we believe he was just covering his eyes from the sun, but the ref blew for it ??) Finn Jones then made a key pass in the 16th minute, creating another opportunity, although Oscar Jones's shot was saved.
The first half continued with Lads Club dominating possession and creating chances. Finn Jones doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a well-placed shot just inside the box. Just three minutes later, Finn Jones scored again, this time from a team move, showcasing excellent teamwork and finishing with his right foot.
As the first half concluded, Lads Club led 3-0, and the second half began with a series of substitutions. Chase Bracegirdle was replaced in goal by Romeo Roberts, while Bodhi came back on for Charlie Arnold, and Thomi Scoular returned to the pitch in place of Oscar Jones.
The second half saw Lads Club maintain their attacking momentum. Lucas Price nearly added to the tally in the 32nd minute, hitting the post with a powerful left footed shot. Finn Jones then missed the target in the 34th minute, followed by a saved effort from Charlie Swain.
Bodhi Round had a chance in the 41st minute but struck the crossbar, while Archie Rigby’s long range shot was saved. The relentless pressure from Lads Club finally bore fruit in the 49th minute when Oscar Jones scored from close range, assisted by a long through ball from Archie Rigby.
Bodhi Round added another goal in the 50th minute to great cheers from the sideline, finishing from close range after a short pass from Lucas Price. Oscar Jones then scored his second of the match in the 51st minute, converting a great pass from Chase Bracegirdle.
Chase Bracegirdle himself got on the scoresheet in the 54th minute, tapping in from close range after a setup by Oscar Jones. The home side continued to press, with attempts from Charlie Swain and Bodhi Round, but they were unable to find the back of the net again.
In the closing stages, Chase Bracegirdle had a shot go wide, while Lucas Price made a defensive clearance and Oscar scored another goal which was deemed offside. The match concluded with a final goal from Chase Bracegirdle in the 61st minute, assisted by Charlie Arnold, sealing an impressive 8-0 victory for Lads Club U12.
Archie Rigby’s solid performance in defence earned him the Player of the Match accolade, as Lads Club U12 showcased their strength and cohesion throughout the encounter.
