Saturday Ravens Suffer Heavy Defeat At Anker Valley Sports Complex

Saturday Ravens travelled to Anker Valley Sports Complex on 25 October 2025 for a 7-a-side league away match against Deer Park Rangers U9, kicking off at 10:15am. Despite a spirited display, the Ravens were outscored 11-5 in a high-scoring encounter lasting 50 minutes plus added time.

Deploying a 2-1-3 formation, Saturday Ravens lined up with Jedd Garrett in goal, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. The defensive duo of Reggie Dedmen-Ert and Jake Whiteman occupied the central defensive positions, expected to provide solidity and block opposition attacks. Hugo Evans operated as the central midfielder, linking defence and attack while supporting both phases of play. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Arkyn Brown on the left forward, Walter Hughes leading as the striker, and Rueben Allured-Rowley on the right forward, all charged with creating and converting chances. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The match began with Deer Park Rangers asserting early dominance, scoring within two minutes to set the tone. Saturday Ravens’ defence was tested immediately, with Rueben Allured-Rowley making a vital block at six minutes to prevent a clear chance. Jake Whiteman followed suit a minute later, also blocking an attempt and denying the opponents further progress. However, Deer Park Rangers doubled their lead at seven minutes, compounding the pressure on the Ravens.

The visitors struggled to contain the relentless attacks, conceding again at ten minutes. Despite this, Saturday Ravens showed resilience; Hugo Evans blocked a shot at 12 minutes, and Jake Whiteman made another crucial block moments later, preventing further damage. Goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was called into action at 13 minutes, making a key save to keep the scoreline from ballooning further.

Saturday Ravens began to find their rhythm going forward, with Hugo Evans attempting a wide shot at 14 minutes and then forcing a save from the opposition goalkeeper at 18 minutes. Arkyn Brown also tested the keeper with a shot saved at 20 minutes, signalling the team’s intent to fight back. Unfortunately, Deer Park Rangers extended their lead again at 22 and 23 minutes, making it a daunting deficit for the Ravens to overcome.

Jedd Garrett remained alert with another save at 24 minutes, while Walter Hughes launched an attempt shortly after. The first half concluded at 25 minutes with the Ravens trailing significantly but still showing glimpses of attacking promise.

Early in the second half, Walter Hughes broke the deadlock for Saturday Ravens at 27 minutes, finishing off a well-worked move assisted by Rueben Allured-Rowley. This goal sparked hope and momentum for the visitors. Hugo Evans continued to push forward, attempting a shot at 29 minutes before scoring a neat tap-in with his right foot, again set up by Rueben Allured-Rowley.

Deer Park Rangers responded swiftly, scoring at 31 and 33 minutes, maintaining their commanding lead. Rueben Allured-Rowley was denied by a save at 32 minutes, with Jedd Garrett once again making a crucial stop to keep the Ravens in the contest. Reggie Dedmen-Ert also had a shot wide at 34 minutes, showing the team’s determination to reduce the deficit.

Rueben Allured-Rowley continued to press with an attempt at 36 minutes, while Jedd Garrett’s goalkeeping heroics were on display again at 38 minutes. The opposition then scored twice in quick succession at 40 minutes, further stretching the scoreline. Another goal followed at 42 minutes, leaving the Ravens with a mountain to climb.

Saturday Ravens responded with a goal from Rueben Allured-Rowley at 43 minutes, assisted by Hugo Evans, demonstrating their fighting spirit. Attempts from Jake Whiteman and Hugo Evans in the same minute showed the team’s persistence despite the scoreline. Rueben Allured-Rowley had another effort at 46 minutes, but Deer Park Rangers scored again immediately after.

Hugo Evans scored directly from a corner kick at 47 minutes after taking a knock from the keeper then post and finding its way in the net. Jake Whiteman added a further goal at 48 minutes, rounding off the scoring for Saturday Ravens. Jake Whiteman also had a late attempt at 49 minutes, but the final whistle soon followed.

Despite the heavy defeat, Hugo Evans and Reggie Dedmen-Ert were recognised as players of the match for their tireless work in midfield and defence respectively. Saturday Ravens showed commendable determination and flashes of quality but were ultimately overwhelmed by a clinical Deer Park Rangers side on the day.