Crowland Juniors U13s Triumph 5-2 Over Peterborough Lions U13 Blue

Crowland Juniors U13s 2025/2026 welcomed Peterborough Lions U13 Blue to their home ground on 18 January 2026 for a friendly match kicking off at 10:00am captained by Patrick Ion. The encounter ended in a convincing 5-2 victory for Crowland Juniors, who overcame an early setback to dominate proceedings.

Crowland Juniors lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Danny Roberts took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Tommy Bradley at right back, Lloris Kanyua and Kaiden Tee as central defenders, and Thomas Nairpour on the left. The midfield double pivot featured Joshua Thind and Hadi Derbas tasked with controlling the centre of the park and breaking up opposition play. Ahead of them, the three attacking midfielders were Josh Santos on the right flank, George Ireland centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Patrick Ion on the left, all supporting lone striker Preston Bucknell. The substitutes named were Maisie West, David Monteanu, and Kajus Liaudanskas.

The match began with a shock as Peterborough Lions struck inside the opening minute, taking an early lead that threatened to unsettle the hosts. However, Crowland Juniors quickly found their rhythm. At the 11th minute, Preston Bucknell forced a save from the opposition goalkeeper before promptly scoring himself, assisted by Josh Santos, to level the score. This goal marked the start of Crowland Juniors’ resurgence.

Shortly after, Joshua Thind came close to putting Crowland ahead when his shot rattled the post at the 15th minute. This moment coincided with a double substitution for Crowland Juniors as Maisie West replaced Tommy Bradley at right back and David Monteanu came on for Joshua Thind in central midfield, signalling a tactical tweak to maintain momentum.

Goalkeeper Danny Roberts was called into action at the 18th minute, making a crucial low dive to smother a close-range effort, keeping the scores level. Crowland Juniors continued to press, with Patrick Ion testing the opposition’s keeper at the 24th minute, though his initial attempt was not converted.

At the 25th minute, another substitution saw Kajus Liaudanskas replace Kaiden Tee in central defence, aiming to refresh the backline. Patrick Ion remained a constant threat, forcing two more saves at the 26th and 28th minutes, demonstrating his persistence and attacking intent.

Danny Roberts was again pivotal in the first half’s closing stages, catching a shot at the 31st minute and then confidently claiming a cross at the 32nd minute, ensuring Crowland Juniors stayed in control defensively.

The breakthrough came at the 34th minute when Josh Santos tapped in a goal following an assist from Hadi Derbas, putting Crowland Juniors ahead for the first time. Just three minutes later, Patrick Ion doubled the lead with a tap-in finish, assisted by Preston Bucknell, further asserting their dominance.

Crowland Juniors extended their advantage at the 39th minute through a stunning solo effort from Josh Santos, who scored from outside the box, showcasing individual skill and composure. The half concluded with Crowland Juniors leading 4-1.

At half-time, Crowland Juniors made further changes to refresh the squad. Kajus Liaudanskas was replaced by Kaiden Tee in central defence, David Monteanu made way for Joshua Thind in midfield, and Tommy Bradley returned to right back, replacing Maisie West.

Early in the second half, Lloris Kanyua tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot that was saved at the 47th minute. However, Peterborough Lions managed to reduce the deficit with a goal in the 51st minute, keeping their hopes alive.

Crowland Juniors’ defensive resilience was highlighted at the 61st minute when Hadi Derbas made a vital clearance to thwart an opposition attack. The hosts restored their three-goal cushion at the 67th minute when Patrick Ion scored again, this time assisted by George Ireland.

Shortly after this goal, George Ireland was substituted off for Preston Bucknell, allowing fresh legs to maintain the attacking threat.

Crowland Juniors’ ability to respond to early pressure and their clinical finishing ultimately secured a 5-2 victory over Peterborough Lions. George Ireland’s influence in the attacking midfield role earned him the player of the match accolade, reflecting his key contributions throughout the game.