Lads Club Juniors Edge Narrow Win At Old School Lane

Lads Club Juniors U12 travelled to Old School Lane on 2nd November 2025 to face Hereford Pegasus Youth U12 Flyers in a keenly contested league away fixture, kicking off at 10:30am. The 9-a-side match lasted 60 minutes plus injury time and ended in a 2-1 victory for Lads Club Juniors U12.

Deploying a 3-4-1 formation, Lads Club Juniors U12 set up with Lucas Price as goalkeeper, backed by a defensive trio of Archie Rigby on the right, Louis Howells centrally, and Charlie Arnold on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Thomi Scoular on the right, Zayn Prosser and Finn Jones centrally, and Joseph Lee on the left, with Oscar Jones leading the line as the lone striker. This formation was designed to provide defensive solidity with three at the back, while the four midfielders aimed to control the centre and flanks, supporting both defence and attack. The striker’s role was to capitalise on chances created by the midfield. The substitutes available were Musa Touray, Theo Lewis, Chase Bracegirdle, Flyn Watkins and Charlie Clueit.

The match began with an early attempt from Joseph Lee in the opening minute, which went wide, signalling Lads Club’s intent to press forward. The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Thomi Scoular seized upon a defensive error from Hereford Pegasus Youth, calmly slotting home with his right foot to give Lads Club the lead. The response was swift, with goalkeeper Lucas Price making a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent just a minute later to keep the advantage intact.

Defensively, Charlie Arnold was a key figure early on, intercepting a dangerous pass in the 14th minute to prevent a clear chance. Moments later, Joseph Lee’s precise cross found Oscar Jones, who,s light touch header beat the keeper, doubling Lads Club’s lead in the same minute. Charlie Arnold continued to impress with a vital clearance two minutes later, maintaining the team’s defensive resilience.

Substitutions began in the 16th minute with Musa Touray replacing the goal scorer Thomi Scoular, and Theo Lewis coming on for Finn Jones, signalling a tactical refresh. Further changes followed with Chase Bracegirdle replacing Oscar Jones in the 21st minute and Flyn Watkins taking over from Joseph Lee a minute later, indicating a shift to maintain energy and control in midfield and attack.

Charlie Arnold remained a defensive stalwart, executing a crucial tackle in the 26th minute to disrupt Hereford Pegasus Youth’s momentum. However, the visitors pulled a goal back in the 29th minute when the striker rounded the keeper and slotted home a right-footed strike that reduced the deficit just before half-time, setting up a tense second half.

At the interval, Lads Club made three substitutions: Oscar Jones returned to replace Chase Bracegirdle, Joseph Lee came back on for Musa Touray, and Charlie Clueit replaced Charlie Arnold in defence. These changes aimed to restore the original attacking threat and defensive stability.

The second half saw Oscar Jones test the opposition goalkeeper in the 34th minute, only to be denied by a fine save. Lucas Price continued to be a commanding presence, catching a cross at the 39th minute and later making a point-blank reaction save at 48 minutes to deny the opposition an equaliser. He also punched clear a dangerous ball in the 56th minute, underlining his importance between the sticks.

Oscar Jones was brought down just outside the box in the 40th minute but Pegasus were able to clear the free kick. Joseph Lee attempted a shot in the 44th minute, which was saved, maintaining the narrow lead.

Further changes saw Finn Jones return to the field in the 46th minute, replacing Oscar Jones, likely to bolster midfield control. Defensive efforts continued with Charlie Clueit intercepting a pass in the 58th minute and making a headed clearance a minute later. Zayn Prosser also contributed with a timely tackle in the 59th minute to break up opposition play.

Theo Lewis had a wide attempt in the 60th minute, while Joseph Lee came agonisingly close to extending the lead, when the keeper spread himself to knock the ball onto the post in the 61st minute. The final stages were marked by determined defending and goalkeeping from Lads Club Juniors U12, who held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Joseph Lee’s consistent threat down the wing and work rate earned him the player of the match accolade, reflecting his influence throughout the game. This result will boost Lads Club Juniors U12’s confidence as they continue their league campaign away from home.