South West Mini's Utd U13's Suffer Heavy Defeat At Home To Clevedon Cobras

On 18 October 2025, South West Mini's Utd U13's hosted Clevedon United Junior U13 Cobras at the South West Mini's FC U12 South West Mini ground in a league fixture kicking off at midday. The home side were overwhelmed as Clevedon Cobras ran out 5-1 winners in this 11-a-side contest played over 60 minutes plus added time.

South West Mini's Utd lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Jack Oatley in goal. The defensive line consisted of Henry West at left back, Hugo Gibbs and Thomas Symonds as central defenders, and Harry Oatley on the right. In midfield, Rory Thomson and Nicholas Symonds operated as the two holding central midfielders tasked with both defensive cover and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio featured Jaymz Derrick on the left, Rocky Thomson centrally, and Roman Roberts on the right, supporting lone striker Jayden O'Mara. The formation was designed to provide defensive solidity with two midfielders shielding the back four, while the three attacking midfielders aimed to supply creativity and service to the striker. Elliott Lane was named as the substitute.

The match began disastrously for South West Mini's as Clevedon Cobras took an early grip. Within three minutes, the visitors opened the scoring with a close-range finish inside the box using their right foot. Just three minutes later, Clevedon doubled their advantage with another close-range strike, again from inside the box and with the right foot. The Cobras continued their early dominance, adding a third goal in the eighth minute, this time a close-range effort with the left foot inside the box.

South West Mini's made their first substitution in the 16th minute, bringing Elliott Lane on for Thomas Symonds in defence. However, the visitors maintained pressure and momentum. At the 24th minute mark, Thomas Symonds returned to the field, replacing Hugo Gibbs in central defence. The first half saw further tactical changes as the home side sought to stem the tide.

Half-time arrived with Clevedon firmly in control at 3-0. Immediately after the break, South West Mini's made another change, reintroducing Hugo Gibbs in place of Rocky Thomson in the attacking midfield role. The second half saw a notable moment in the 35th minute when Rory Thomson, normally a central midfielder, was called upon to make a full-stretch save, demonstrating versatility and commitment.

South West Mini's striker Jayden O'Mara had an early attempt in the 37th minute, but his effort flew high over the bar. Shortly after, in the 39th minute, Rocky Thomson was reintroduced, replacing Jaymz Derrick on the left attacking midfield. Jayden O'Mara again tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot that was saved in the same minute.

Clevedon extended their lead in the 40th minute, converting a penalty with a right-footed finish, further compounding South West Mini's woes. The home side responded with another substitution at the 45th minute, bringing Jaymz Derrick back on for Thomas Symonds in defence.

The visitors continued to dominate after the interval, scoring their fifth goal in the 50th minute with a right-footed finish. South West Mini's made another defensive change immediately after, with Thomas Symonds replacing Hugo Gibbs once more.

South West Mini's goalkeeper Jack Oatley ventured forward for an attempt in the 54th minute, but his shot went wide. This was followed by a substitution in goal, with Hugo Gibbs coming off for Jack Oatley, indicating a possible positional adjustment or injury.

The home side finally found a moment of joy in the 56th minute when Jayden O'Mara scored a long-range strike from outside the box with his right foot, assisted by a precise long pass from Rory Thomson. This goal offered a glimmer of hope despite the scoreline.

Jayden O'Mara continued to press, but his shot in the 58th minute was saved by the opposition goalkeeper. In the 59th minute, South West Mini's made their final substitution, with Jack Oatley returning to goal as Rocky Thomson was replaced.

Despite their efforts, South West Mini's U13's were unable to mount a significant comeback as Clevedon United Junior U13 Cobras secured a comprehensive 5-1 victory on the day. The visitors' early clinical finishing and sustained pressure proved decisive in this league encounter.