Crookham Rovers Rockets U10 Edge Past Alton Youth U09 Lions 6-3

Crookham Rovers Rockets U10 hosted Alton Youth U09 Lions at Cody Sports and Social Club 2 on 15 February 2025, with kick-off at midnight for a 7-a-side league neutral match lasting 50 minutes plus added time. The Rockets emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter, securing a 6-3 win over the Lions.

Crookham Rovers Rockets lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the right, centre and left, and a lone striker up front. Jesse Nichols took his place in goal, with Tenny Harman and Cassius Pech anchoring the defence centrally. The midfield trio consisted of Freddie Wright on the right, Theo Little in the centre, and Felix Withers on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting attacks. Cooper Whiteman led the line as the striker, expected to spearhead the offensive efforts. The substitutes available were Finley Taylor, Luca Turner and George Mcdowell.

The match began at a frenetic pace with Cooper Whiteman immediately testing the opposition keeper, though his first attempt was saved in the opening minute. Almost simultaneously, central defender Tenny Harman made a full stretch save, showcasing his alertness early on. Remarkably, Jesse Nichols then scored from close range inside the box in the second minute, giving the Rockets an early lead. Whiteman’s next effort went wide shortly after, while Cassius Pech made a tackle but was unable to prevent a chance at the three-minute mark.

Freddie Wright had two saved attempts in quick succession around the fifth and seventh minutes, demonstrating persistent pressure from the right midfield. Cassius Pech also had a high shot that missed the target. However, the Lions capitalised on a defensive mistake in the sixth minute to level the scores. Whiteman’s subsequent attempt again went wide, but the Rockets kept pushing forward.

Theo Little and Felix Withers contributed defensively with blocks and tackles, while Tenny Harman made several crucial catches and saves between the 10th and 18th minutes, including a notable catch at the 10th minute and a block at 17 minutes. Felix Withers also parried a shot at the 13th minute, showing versatility by stepping into goalkeeping duties briefly.

At the 13th minute, a tactical substitution saw Finley Taylor replace Cooper Whiteman, George Mcdowell come on for Theo Little, and Luca Turner enter for Freddie Wright. Luca Turner quickly made his presence felt with a tackle at 14 minutes and a clearance at 18 minutes. Felix Withers returned to the pitch at 16 minutes, replacing Cassius Pech due to injury, while Tenny Harman blocked a shot at 17 minutes.

The Rockets’ persistence paid off when Finley Taylor scored inside the box at the 20th minute, assisted by Luca Turner. Shortly after, Luca Turner was booked for a late tackle at 21 minutes, and Tenny Harman committed a holding foul at 23 minutes, though no penalties were awarded. Felix Withers made a catch at 23 minutes, and Freddie Wright’s shot was saved at 24 minutes.

Half-time arrived at 25 minutes with the scoreline still competitive. The second half began with further tactical changes: Theo Little replaced Tenny Harman, Cassius Pech came on for Felix Withers, and Cooper Whiteman returned to the field for Freddie Wright. Jesse Nichols made a catch at 26 minutes, while Theo Little’s wide attempt followed at 27 minutes. Luca Turner and Theo Little made important tackles at 28 and 29 minutes respectively, with Cassius Pech blocking at the same time.

George Mcdowell contributed defensively with a block and interception at 31 minutes, shortly before Cooper Whiteman scored inside the box, assisted by Theo Little. Theo Little then provided a slide rule pass at 32 minutes that created a chance, followed by Luca Turner’s saved attempt. Cassius Pech made a tackle at 32 minutes to keep the pressure on.

Finley Taylor scored again at 33 minutes, assisted by George Mcdowell, and Luca Turner added a goal at 34 minutes with a finish inside the box, assisted by Theo Little. The Lions responded with a goal of their own from inside the box at 36 minutes. Shortly after, Cassius Pech was replaced by Tenny Harman due to injury.

Jesse Nichols continued to impress with catches at 37 and 38 minutes, while Tenny Harman made a tackle and committed a push foul without conceding a penalty. Tactical substitutions followed at 38 minutes with Felix Withers replacing Jesse Nichols in goal, and Freddie Wright returning for George Mcdowell. Luca Turner took over in goal at 39 minutes, making several catches between then and the 43rd minute.

Finley Taylor’s shot was saved at 44 minutes, but he found the net again at 46 minutes inside the box, assisted by Theo Little. George Mcdowell replaced Freddie Wright at 46 minutes, and Jesse Nichols returned to goal at 47 minutes, replacing Finley Taylor. Felix Withers made a tackle at 48 minutes, but the Lions capitalised on a defensive mistake to score again.

In the final moments, Jesse Nichols had a wide attempt at 49 minutes and made a save at 51 minutes, helping to secure the 6-3 victory for Crookham Rovers Rockets U10. The match was marked by tactical substitutions, solid defensive work, and clinical finishing from the Rockets, who ultimately outscored their opponents in an entertaining contest.