Castlecourt JFC U13 Narrowly Lose 3-2 At Buckley Hill

CastleCourt JFC U13 hosted Northfield 13 at Buckley Hill Playing Fields on 11 October 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a keenly contested league neutral match. The 70-minute encounter ended in a 3-2 defeat for CastleCourt after a pulsating battle that saw both sides exchange goals and momentum throughout.

CastleCourt lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying Joe Watson in goal. The defensive line consisted of Ben Standrell at right back, Khail Davis and Logan Dickinson as central defenders, and Olly Roughley on the left. The midfield trio featured Archie Ridgeway on the right, Conlan Doyle-Wall centrally, and Mason Bullen on the left. Up front, the attacking trio comprised Harry Richardson on the right wing, Leo Douras leading the line as striker, and Alfie Davies operating on the left forward position. The substitutes available were Kayden Burns, Reuben Darley, Alex Douras-Wohler, and Tyler McDonald.

The 4-3-3 setup was designed to provide width and attacking impetus from the flanks, with Alfie Davies and Harry Richardson expected to supply crosses and key passes, while the midfield trio balanced creativity and defensive cover. The central defenders Khail Davis and Logan Dickinson were tasked with maintaining solidity at the back, supported by the full-backs who would also contribute to forward play.

Early on, CastleCourt showed attacking intent as Alfie Davies flicked a key pass in the 8th minute, creating a promising chance. However, a mistimed run by striker Leo Douras saw him correctly flagged offside three minutes later. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Davies combined with Richardson; a short pass from Davies allowed Richardson to slot home confidently, putting CastleCourt ahead.

CastleCourt continued to press, with Davies testing the opposition keeper with a shot saved in the 19th minute. Defensively, Khail Davis was alert, intercepting a dangerous attack in the 22nd minute to prevent a clear chance. The home side doubled their lead in the 25th minute through Davies, who capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to score with his right foot from close range.

Northfield responded swiftly, pulling a goal back just two minutes later in the 27th minute with a close-range finish inside the box. Joe Watson was called into action immediately after, producing a point-blank reaction save in the 28th minute to keep CastleCourt in the lead. However, Northfield’s pressure paid off again in the 34th minute as they levelled with another close-range strike inside the box.

CastleCourt made a tactical substitution at the 35th minute mark, bringing on Alex Douras-Wohler for Leo Douras. Simultaneously, injury forced two further changes: Reuben Darley replaced Archie Ridgeway and Kayden Burns came on for Olly Roughley. These adjustments aimed to maintain balance and energy as the first half concluded.

The visitors took the lead for the first time in the 40th minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake to score from close range with a right-footed finish. Joe Watson remained composed, catching a cross in the 44th minute to deny Northfield further chances before the break. Just before half-time, Khail Davis attempted a tackle but was unable to prevent another threat.

Early in the second half, Tyler McDonald replaced Ben Standrell at right back in the 50th minute. CastleCourt’s attacking threat was reignited as Alfie Davies delivered a long key pass in the 52nd minute, creating another opportunity. Alex Douras-Wohler attempted a flicked pass two minutes later, though it did not result in a chance.

Conlan Doyle-Wall showed defensive grit with a crucial tackle in the 59th minute to thwart Northfield’s advances. Tactical changes continued as Archie Ridgeway returned to the field for Reuben Darley in the 62nd minute. Attempts on goal from Khail Davis and Alex Douras-Wohler in the 63rd and 65th minutes respectively went wide, but CastleCourt remained dangerous.

Davies again demonstrated his creative influence with a flicked key pass in the 67th minute, setting up a shot from Doyle-Wall that was well saved. The closing stages saw a late foul by Doyle-Wall for a late tackle, quickly followed by a vital interception from Harry Richardson to deny Northfield a chance in the 71st minute.

Despite their efforts, CastleCourt were unable to find an equaliser and succumbed to a narrow 3-2 defeat. Both Khail Davis and Alfie Davies stood out with their defensive resilience and attacking creativity, earning them the players of the match honours. The game was a fine example of youthful endeavour and competitive spirit at Buckley Hill Playing Fields.