Ravens Edge Measham Hawks In Thrilling 7-A-Side Clash

Saturday Ravens travelled to Measham Leisure Centre on 11 October 2025 for a brisk 9:30am kick-off in a league 7-a-side encounter against Measham Welfare Hawks. The match, lasting 50 minutes plus added time, ended in a narrow 2-1 victory for the Ravens, who edged their opponents in a tightly contested battle.

Deploying a 2-3-1 formation, Saturday Ravens set up with Jedd Garrett guarding the goal. The defensive duo of Reggie Dedmen-Ert and Nicholas Czwartosz took up central defensive roles, tasked with thwarting Measham’s attacks. In midfield, Hugo Evans operated on the right, Alex Smigiel held the central midfield position, while Arkyn Brown patrolled the left flank. Up front, Oliver White led the line as the lone striker, expected to spearhead the offensive efforts. The substitutes named for the day were Rueben Allured-Rowley, Walter Hughes, and Jake Whiteman.

From the outset, the Ravens showed intent. Within the first minute, Reggie Dedmen-Ert launched an early attempt, signalling the team’s attacking ambitions. Simultaneously, Nicholas Czwartosz was alert at the back, blocking an early threat from Measham, setting the tone for a robust defensive display. Jedd Garrett was soon called into action, making a crucial save in the third minute to keep the scoreline level. Dedmen-Ert again demonstrated his defensive prowess with a vital block in the fourth minute.

Oliver White came close to opening the scoring twice in quick succession, hitting the post in the fifth minute and then the crossbar five minutes later, agonisingly close to giving the Ravens the lead. However, the striker was substituted off in the 11th minute for Rueben Allured-Rowley, signalling a tactical shift. Shortly after, Hugo Evans’ attempt drifted wide in the 13th minute before he too was replaced by Walter Hughes in the 14th minute. At the same time, Jake Whiteman came on for Reggie Dedmen-Ert, reshaping the defensive line.

Rueben Allured-Rowley made an immediate impact with an attempt on goal in the 17th minute, showing promise in his new role. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Walter Hughes struck with his right foot to put the Ravens ahead, a crucial goal that lifted the visitors. The defence remained resolute, with Nicholas Czwartosz blocking another Measham effort in the 21st minute to maintain the advantage.

Half-time arrived with the Ravens leading 1-0 after a disciplined first half. The second period saw the visitors extend their lead in the 28th minute as Rueben Allured-Rowley found the net, again with his right foot, following a precise assist from Walter Hughes. The Ravens looked comfortable but continued to press, with Allured-Rowley attempting another shot in the 30th minute.

Despite the lead, the Ravens’ attacking threat did not wane. Hugo Evans and Oliver White both had attempts wide in the 32nd and 33rd minutes respectively, with White continuing to search for a goal. He remained active, shooting again in the 35th minute, followed by Allured-Rowley’s effort in the 36th minute. However, Measham Welfare Hawks pulled one back in the same minute, injecting fresh urgency into the contest.

The closing stages were tense. Oliver White struck the post once more in the 40th minute, a cruel twist for the striker who had been so close earlier. Rueben Allured-Rowley continued to probe with an attempt in the 44th minute, keeping the pressure on Measham’s defence. Jedd Garrett was called upon again in the 48th minute, producing a vital save to preserve the narrow lead.

The match concluded with Saturday Ravens holding on for a 2-1 victory, a result earned through solid defending, timely substitutions, and clinical finishing. Jedd Garrett’s goalkeeping heroics, Walter Hughes’ influential midfield play and goal, alongside Nicholas Czwartosz’s steadfast defensive contributions, earned them the accolades as players of the match. The Ravens’ tactical discipline and resilience on the road ensured they secured all three points in this competitive league fixture.