Crowland Juniors U13s Triumph 5-2 At Orton Rangers

Crowland Juniors U13s 2025/2026 travelled to face Orton Rangers U13 in a league away fixture at Orton’s home ground on 14 December 2025, with kick-off at 10:00am. The match ended in a convincing 5-2 victory for Crowland Juniors, who overcame an early setback to dominate proceedings and secure all three points.

Crowland Juniors lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying a solid defensive unit with Danny Roberts in goal. The back four consisted of Joshua Thind at right back, Lloris Kanyua and Kaiden Tee as central defenders, and Thomas Nairpour on the left. In midfield, Hadi Derbas and George Ireland operated as the two central midfielders, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Josh Santos on the right wing, Preston Bucknell in the central attacking midfield role, and Patrick Ion on the left. Leading the line was striker David Monteanu, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances. Maisie West was named among the substitutes.

The match began dramatically as Orton Rangers took an immediate lead inside the first minute, catching Crowland Juniors off guard. However, Crowland quickly regained composure and responded with a goal from central midfielder Hadi Derbas in the 10th minute, restoring parity. At the same moment, a tactical substitution saw Maisie West replace right defender Joshua Thind, signalling an early adjustment by the Juniors.

George Ireland was instrumental in midfield, showcasing his defensive prowess with a crucial intervention at the 15th minute. His influence was soon felt in attack as he provided the assist for Josh Santos to score the go-ahead goal just a minute later. Ireland’s defensive contributions continued relentlessly, including another vital tackle at 17 minutes and a key chance-blocking tackle at 20 minutes, demonstrating his all-round impact.

Shortly after, Crowland made another substitution, bringing Joshua Thind back on to replace striker David Monteanu in the 21st minute, indicating a tactical reshuffle. Ireland’s defensive mastery was again on display with an interception at 27 minutes, preventing a potential threat. The Juniors extended their lead through Josh Santos once more in the 33rd minute, this time assisted by Preston Bucknell, who was proving influential in the attacking midfield role.

Crowland continued to rotate their forward line with David Monteanu returning to the pitch in place of Patrick Ion at the 35th minute. Defensive solidity was maintained with George Ireland executing a well-timed tackle at 42 minutes, followed by a composed defensive action from Lloris Kanyua just before half-time. The first half concluded with Crowland leading 3-1, having overturned the early deficit with clinical finishing and disciplined defending.

The second half started with immediate impact as Josh Santos completed his hat-trick in the 47th minute, again assisted by Preston Bucknell, underlining the effective partnership between the attacking midfielder and winger. George Ireland continued his defensive dominance with an interception at the same minute, supported by Kaiden Tee’s interception a minute later. Ireland’s defensive work was relentless, with another interception at 50 minutes and a long key pass at 54 minutes that created a clear chance.

Goalkeeper Danny Roberts was called into action multiple times, making a crucial save at 55 minutes and a full-stretch save at 57 minutes, preserving Crowland’s lead. The defensive unit remained resolute with Thomas Nairpour and Joshua Thind both winning headers to clear danger in the 55th and 56th minutes respectively. Lloris Kanyua was particularly busy, clearing multiple threats between 56 and 62 minutes, including tackles and interceptions that prevented Orton Rangers from mounting a comeback.

Despite an incorrect offside call against Hadi Derbas at 66 minutes, Crowland maintained their attacking threat with Preston Bucknell attempting a wide shot shortly after, and Danny Roberts making another vital save at 67 minutes. Lloris Kanyua continued to clear danger with a header at 64 minutes and further clearances at 69 minutes, while George Ireland intercepted again at 70 and 71 minutes, including a crucial tackle at 72 minutes to deny a scoring opportunity.

Danny Roberts secured a comfortable catch at 73 minutes, and Preston Bucknell’s wide attempt followed, showing Crowland’s persistent offensive pressure. Joshua Thind intercepted a key pass at 78 minutes, shortly before Hadi Derbas scored his second goal of the match, assisted by George Ireland, to extend the lead. Orton Rangers pulled one back immediately at 78 minutes, but Crowland’s dominance was clear.

Patrick Ion had a shot saved at the same time, rounding off a frenetic period of play. George Ireland’s tireless work in midfield earned him the player of the match accolade, as he was pivotal both defensively and offensively throughout the contest.

Crowland Juniors U13s demonstrated resilience and quality in their 4-2-3-1 setup, with a blend of defensive discipline and attacking flair that ultimately secured a well-deserved 5-2 victory away from home.