In a closely contested league match at Kings Leadership Academy on 20 October 2024, Woolston Rovers Thundercats faced off against Cadishead Sports Junior U11 Crystals, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 9:45 am and saw both teams display tenacity, but it was the visitors who emerged victorious.
Woolston Rovers adopted a 3-4-1 formation, with Tilly Rex stationed in goal. The defensive line comprised Isabella Charnley on the right, Martha Darnton in the centre, and Emily Ball on the left. The midfield was anchored by Lexie Davies and Izzy Acklam-Davies centrally, with Robyn Wilkinson on the right and Heidi Whaley on the left, while Nellie Proctor led the line as the sole striker. This setup aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid transitions into attack.
The substitutes for Woolston Rovers included Ruby Lawton, Amelia Searle, Grace Jones, and Jess Evans, who would later play pivotal roles as the match unfolded.
The early stages of the match saw Woolston Rovers under pressure, with Isabella Charnley making a crucial tackle in the seventh minute to prevent a chance for Cadishead Sports. However, just two minutes later, the visitors broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal of the match and taking a 1-0 lead.
As the first half progressed, Woolston Rovers made their first substitution in the 15th minute, bringing on Ruby Lawton for Heidi Whaley. Shortly after, Martha Darnton showcased her defensive prowess with an interception in the 16th minute, stopping another potential attack from Cadishead Sports.
Robyn Wilkinson attempted to level the score in the 18th minute with a slide rule pass, but it failed to create a clear chance. Lexie Davies then had a shot saved in the 19th minute, as Woolston Rovers sought to find their rhythm. The team made another substitution in the 20th minute, with Amelia Searle replacing Nellie Proctor.
Wilkinson continued to press forward, but her effort in the 23rd minute went wide, as the Thundercats struggled to convert their chances. Tilly Rex, however, was alert in goal, making a catch in the 26th minute to keep the scoreline manageable as the half drew to a close.
Half-time arrived with Cadishead Sports leading 1-0, and Woolston Rovers made a tactical change, introducing Jess Evans for Isabella Charnley at the start of the second half. The Thundercats aimed to regroup and find an equaliser.
The second half began with Cadishead Sports doubling their lead in the 43rd minute, scoring their second goal and putting Woolston Rovers in a difficult position at 2-0. Woolston responded with a series of substitutions, bringing on Heidi Whaley for Robyn Wilkinson and Nellie Proctor for Emily Ball in the 40th minute.
Despite the setback, Woolston Rovers continued to fight back, with Nellie Proctor making a vital tackle in the 48th minute to prevent further damage. The Thundercats made further substitutions in the 55th minute, reintroducing Lexie Davies for Amelia Searle, Robyn Wilkinson for Grace Jones, and Isabella Charnley for Martha Darnton.
In a moment of resurgence, Ruby Lawton made a long pass in the 56th minute that created a chance, followed closely by another key pass from Lexie Davies in the 57th minute. This pressure culminated in a goal from Lexie Davies in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 2-1 and igniting hope for Woolston Rovers.
With time running out, Woolston made one final substitution, bringing back Emily Ball for Ruby Lawton in the 58th minute. Despite their efforts, the Thundercats could not find an equaliser, and the match concluded with Cadishead Sports claiming a hard-fought victory.
Nellie Proctor and Robyn Wilkinson were recognised as standout performers for Woolston Rovers, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the match.
