Lads Club Juniors U12 Secure 2-0 Victory Over Wellington Youth

On Sunday 9 November 2025, Lads Club Juniors U12 hosted Wellington Youth U12 at Widemarsh Common in a 9-a-side cup fixture, kicking off promptly at 11:00am. The home side emerged victorious with a 2-0 win after a competitive 60 minutes, maintaining a clean sheet and demonstrating solid teamwork throughout.

Lads Club Juniors lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back, four midfielders across the middle, and a lone striker leading the attack. Lucas Price took his place in goal, protected by a defensive trio consisting of Charlie Arnold at right defender, Archie Rigby centrally, and Louis Howells on the left. The midfield quartet featured Thomi Scoular on the right, Zayn Prosser and Flyn Watkins occupying central midfield roles, and Finn Jones on the left flank. Oscar Jones spearheaded the attack as the sole striker, tasked with converting chances created by the midfield. The substitutes available were Flynn Gething, Musa Touray, Chase Bracegirdle, and Charlie Clueit.

The match began with Lads Club Juniors asserting early pressure. Oscar Jones tested the Wellington Youth goalkeeper with an attempt in the fourth minute, though his effort went wide. Five minutes later, Oscar Jones made amends by scoring the opening goal inside the box with a right footed half volley after closing down a back pass to the keeper, giving the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead. The striker continued to press, forcing a save from the opposition keeper in the twelfth minute, while Flyn Watkins followed up with a wide shot a minute later.

At the quarter-hour mark, Finn Jones was replaced by Flynn Gething, signalling the first substitution of the match. Ten minutes on, Flyn Watkins made way for Musa Touray, allowing fresh legs to bolster the midfield. The first half concluded with Lads Club Juniors maintaining their advantage, having controlled possession and limited Wellington Youth’s attacking opportunities.

Early in the second half, Archie Rigby showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial clearance in the 33rd minute, helping to keep the opposition at bay. The midfield saw increased creativity as Flynn Gething delivered a long pass in the 41st minute, shortly followed by a slide rule pass from Thomi Scoular, both attempts designed to unlock the Wellington defence. Oscar Jones again sought to extend the lead but fired wide. At this point, Thomi Scoular was substituted for Chase Bracegirdle, adding fresh impetus to the right midfield position.

Archie Rigby continued to be a defensive stalwart, intercepting a dangerous Wellington move in the 43rd minute. Zayn Prosser's free kick tested dipped over the bar two minutes later. In the 45th minute, Oscar Jones was withdrawn and replaced by Charlie Clueit, allowing Chase to move into the attacking role.

Chase Bracegirdle then doubled Lads Club Juniors’ lead with a composed finish inside the box, neatly assisted by a short pass from Charlie Clueit. This goal effectively sealed the contest. The defensive unit remained resolute, with Musa Touray executing a vital tackle in the 47th minute and Louis Howells contributing with a tackle in the 49th minute and a clearance in the 52nd.

Zayn Prosser continued to push forward, forcing a save from the Wellington keeper in the 56th minute. Archie Rigby again cleared danger in the 59th minute, while Louis Howells completed the defensive efforts with a tackle in the 61st minute, ensuring the clean sheet was preserved until the final whistle.

Lads Club Juniors U12’s disciplined 3-4-1 formation allowed them to control the midfield and maintain defensive solidity, with key contributions from defenders Arnold, Rigby, and Howells. The midfielders, including Scoular, Prosser, Watkins, and their replacements, provided both defensive cover and attacking support. Up front, Oscar Jones led the line effectively before being replaced by Charlie Clueit and Chase Bracegirdle, whose goal was decisive.

The substitutes Flynn Gething, Musa Touray, Chase Bracegirdle, and Charlie Clueit all played their part in maintaining the team’s momentum and securing the victory. This result sees Lads Club Juniors U12 progress confidently in the cup, having demonstrated a well-organised and effective performance on home soil. The whole team were rewarded with the player of the match accolade through sheer grit and determination in mucky conditions. Bring on the semi finals ????