In a commanding display, Lads Club U12 triumphed over Pheonix U12 with a resounding 6-0 victory in their league encounter at Gorsty Lane, Hereford, on 15 December 2024. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the Lads Club showcased their attacking prowess throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Lads Club adopted a 2-5-1 formation, with Lucas Price in goal, flanked by central defenders Archie Rigby and Louis Howells. The midfield was packed with five players: Chase Bracegirdle and Charlie Arnold on the right and left flanks respectively, while Flyn Watkins, Charlie Swain, and Theo Lewis operated centrally. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, expected to convert chances created by the midfielders.
The substitutes for Lads Club included Thomi Scoular, Musa Touray, Romeo Roberts, Finn Jones, and Bodhi Round, providing depth and options for tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
The match began with an early foul by Archie Rigby, who committed a late tackle just a minute in, setting a competitive tone. Lucas Price quickly showcased his goalkeeping skills with a parry in the second minute, denying any early threat from Pheonix.
Just moments later, Lads Club took the lead when Chase Bracegirdle scored from close range, converting a cross from Oscar Jones. This early goal ignited Lads Club's confidence, and Bracegirdle continued to threaten, though his attempt in the sixth minute went wide.
In the tenth minute, Lads Club were awarded a penalty the initial penalty goal was disallowed due to Oscar Jones getting excited and entering the box before the penalty was taken, then Charlie Swain changed the direction of his shot and his second effort went just wide of the target, an opportunity that could have doubled their lead. However, Swain quickly redeemed himself, forcing a good save from the Pheonix goalkeeper just a minute later, alongside another saved attempt from Oscar Jones.
In the twelfth minute, Lads Club made two substitutions one due to injury concerns, bringing on Thomi Scoular for Louis Howells and Musa Touray for Charlie Arnold. The changes did not disrupt their momentum, as they continued to press Pheonix.
Archie Rigby had a chance in the sixteenth minute, but his shot was saved. A late tackle shortly after gave Pheonix a free kick, but Lads Club remained in control. The breakthrough came in the eighteenth minute when Oscar Jones scored a right footed shot, assisted by Thomi Scoular with a short pass through the Pheonix defence, extending the lead to 2-0.
As the first half progressed, Lads Club made further substitutions, with Romeo Roberts replacing Flyn Watkins and Finn Jones coming on for Oscar Jones. Bodhi Round also entered the fray, taking over from Chase Bracegirdle. Despite several attempts from Thomi Scoular, it was a surprise that the keeper was able to keep them all out. Lads Club maintained their dominance.
The first half concluded with Lads Club leading 2-0, and they returned for the second half with renewed energy. The second substitutions, saw Chase Bracegirdle returning to the pitch, replacing Bodhi Round, and Charlie Arnold coming back on for Musa Touray.
The scoring resumed in the thirty-fourth minute when Charlie Swain netted Lads Club's third goal, assisted by Thomi Scoular. Just two minutes later, Theo Lewis added to the tally, scoring from close range following a corner taken by Charlie Arnold, making it 4-0.
As the match continued, Lads Club made further substitutions, with Louis Howells returning to replace Romeo Roberts and Flyn Watkins coming back on for Finn Jones. Oscar Jones also re-entered the game, taking over from Thomi Scoular. Within 5 minutes of coming on Oscar Jones had doubled his tally with another right footed strike, his pace was too much for the Pheonix defence today.
The relentless pressure from Lads Club paid off again in the fifty-fourth minute when Musa Touray scored a stunning solo goal, showcasing his skill and determination. With the score now at 6-0, Lads Club were in complete control.
In the closing stages, Theo Lewis had a chance to add to the scoreline, but his attempt was saved. The match concluded with Lads Club securing a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Pheonix U12, a testament to their teamwork and attacking flair. Player of the match went to the whole team today due to the constant pressure they were all forcing upon the Pheonix players. A great answer to the draw in thier last encounter.????
