In a thrilling league encounter at Trowbridge Town Football Club on 2nd February 2025, Trowbridge Town U14s secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Stratton Juniors FC U14 Tigers. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and showcased a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair from both sides.
Trowbridge Town adopted a 3-1-4-2 formation, with Henri Turner stationed in goal. The defensive trio comprised Josh Bailey on the right, Charlie Amor in the centre, and Austin Cooper on the left. Dan Jackman played a pivotal role as the central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking midfield was bolstered by Josh Dines on the right, Roman Snow & Jake Wells centrally, and Ollie Curtis on the left, while Alfie Nyarko and Leon Jones led the line as forwards.
The substitutes for Trowbridge Town included Roy Mufalo, Ruben Reeves, and Leo Shepherd, providing depth and options for tactical adjustments throughout the match.
The match began with an early attempt from Roman Snow, whose effort in the fifth minute was saved, signalling Trowbridge's intent. Dan Jackman followed up with a shot in the twelfth minute that went wide, as the home side continued to press. Snow again came close in the nineteenth minute, but his attempt was off target, illustrating Trowbridge's attacking ambition.
In a tactical reshuffle, Trowbridge made three substitutions in quick succession around the twenty-fourth minute, bringing on Roy Mufalo for Leon Jones, Ruben Reeves for Ollie Curtis, and Leo Shepherd for Austin Cooper. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the game. Alfie Nyarko then had a shot saved in the twenty-seventh minute, while Charlie Amor's effort in the thirty-first minute also failed to find the back of the net, as the Stratton goalkeeper stood firm.
As the first half drew to a close, Jake Wells had another attempt saved just before the half-time whistle, leaving the scoreline at 0-0 at the break. However, the second half began with a breakthrough for Trowbridge. In the thirty-ninth minute, Josh Dines scored the opening goal, assisted by Roman Snow, who showcased his playmaking abilities inside the box.
Trowbridge made further substitutions immediately after the goal, with Leon Jones returning to the pitch in place of Roman Snow, followed by Austin Cooper replacing Josh Bailey and Ollie Curtis coming on for Alfie Nyarko. Just five minutes later, Roy Muffalo doubled Trowbridge's lead with a well-timed finish in the forty-fourth minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Despite Trowbridge's dominance, Stratton Juniors responded with a goal of their own in the sixty-second minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. The game intensified as both teams sought to assert their dominance. Trowbridge's Josh Dines had another attempt saved shortly after, while Roy Mufalo's effort in the sixty-first minute also failed to find the net.
In the sixty-fourth minute, Trowbridge made further substitutions, reintroducing Charlie Amor for Austin Cooper, and bringing back Josh Dines and Jake Wells for Roy Mufalo and Ruben Reeves, respectively. Roman Snow had a couple of attempts in the latter stages, but both were either wide or saved, as Trowbridge held firm against the late pressure from Stratton. Ollie Curtis found the back of net only for it to be ruled offside.
Ultimately, Trowbridge Town U14s emerged victorious, demonstrating resilience and tactical awareness throughout the match. The win not only boosts their league standing but also highlights the potential of their young talents as they continue to develop in the competitive landscape of youth football. Man of the Match Gold - Josh Dines Silver - Jake Wells Bronze - Charlie Amor
