In a one-sided affair at Ecclesfield Open Space on 27 October 2024, Woolston Rovers Thundercats faced a daunting challenge against Bleak Hill Rovers U11 Panthers, who emerged victorious with a staggering scoreline of 14-0. The match kicked off at 10:00 am, and it quickly became evident that the Thundercats were in for a tough day.
Woolston Rovers Thundercats lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, with Tilly Rex stationed in goal. The defensive trio consisted of Jess Evans on the right, Isabella Charnley in the centre, and Emily Ball on the left. In midfield, Robyn Wilkinson occupied the right flank, while Ruby Lawton and Nellie Proctor played centrally, with Amelia Searle on the left. Meah Lee was tasked with leading the line as the striker. The formation aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for width and creativity in attack. Grace Jones was named as a substitute.
The match began with a flurry of activity, as Bleak Hill Rovers opened the scoring just two minutes in, taking an early lead that set the tone for the rest of the match. Tilly Rex was called into action shortly after, making a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent in the sixth minute, but the pressure was relentless. Just a minute later, Bleak Hill Rovers doubled their advantage, leaving the Thundercats reeling.
As the first half progressed, Tilly Rex continued to showcase her goalkeeping skills, making another dive at the feet of an attacker in the ninth minute. However, the relentless assault from Bleak Hill Rovers saw them score again in the eleventh minute, followed by another goal in the thirteenth minute, pushing the score to 4-0.
Woolston Rovers attempted to respond, with Robyn Wilkinson making an effort in the twenty-third minute, but her shot went wide of the target. The Thundercats' struggles were compounded when Bleak Hill Rovers found the net once more in the twenty-fourth minute, extending their lead to five. Tilly Rex's resilience was evident as she made a parry in the twelfth minute and another save in the twenty-sixth minute, but the onslaught continued.
At half-time, the score stood at a daunting 5-0, and Woolston Rovers made a tactical substitution, bringing on Grace Jones for Amelia Searle at the start of the second half. However, the change did little to stem the tide, as Bleak Hill Rovers scored again in the thirty-third minute, followed by another goal in the thirty-sixth minute, pushing the score to 7-0.
The Panthers were relentless, adding to their tally with goals in the thirty-seventh, thirty-ninth, and again in the forty-fifth minute, bringing the score to 10-0. Tilly Rex continued to work hard, making a full stretch save in the forty-second minute, but the Thundercats were unable to find any respite.
In the second half, Woolston Rovers made another substitution, bringing Meah Lee back onto the pitch in the fortieth minute, but the Panthers were not done yet. They scored again in the forty-eighth and fifty-third minutes, before sealing the match with a final goal in the fifty-fifth minute, concluding the game at a staggering 14-0.
Despite the heavy defeat, Tilly Rex, Robyn Wilkinson, and Nellie Proctor were recognised for their efforts, demonstrating determination and skill in a challenging match. The Thundercats will need to regroup and reflect on this performance as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
