South West Mini's Utd U13's And Long Ashton Junior Youth U13 Galaxy Draw 3-3 In Thrilling League Clash

South West Mini's Utd U13's travelled to Long Melford Colts F.C. U10 ground on 11 October 2025 for a 10:30am kick-off in a keenly contested league away fixture against Long Ashton Junior Youth U13 Galaxy. The match ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw after 60 minutes of football plus added time, with both sides sharing the spoils in an entertaining encounter.

South West Mini's Utd lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Jack Oatley took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the back line and making crucial saves. The defensive quartet comprised Henry West at right back, Rory Thomson and Hugo Gibbs as central defenders, and Harry Oatley on the left flank, all expected to maintain a disciplined defensive shape and support forward play when possible.

In midfield, Roman Roberts occupied the right midfield berth, charged with providing width and service to the forwards. Central midfield duties were shared by Jaymz Derrick and Nicholas Symonds, who were responsible for controlling the tempo, linking defence and attack, and breaking up opposition moves. On the left midfield, Rocky Thomson was expected to deliver crosses and challenge the opposition’s right side. Up front, the strike partnership of Elliott Lane on the right and Jayden O'Mara on the left was set to spearhead the attack, looking to convert chances and apply pressure on the Long Ashton defence.

No substitutes were named for South West Mini's Utd in this fixture.

The first half unfolded with both teams showing attacking intent, but it was a tight affair with neither side able to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle at the 30-minute mark. The 4-4-2 system saw South West Mini's Utd maintain a solid shape, with the midfield duo of Derrick and Symonds working tirelessly to disrupt Long Ashton’s rhythm, while the full-backs West and Harry Oatley balanced their defensive duties with overlapping runs.

As the second half progressed, the match opened up considerably. Both sides traded goals in an end-to-end contest that showcased the attacking talents of the forwards and the resilience of the defenders. South West Mini's forwards Elliott Lane and Jayden O'Mara combined well, creating several chances, while midfielders Roberts and Rocky Thomson provided crucial support from wide areas.

Defensively, Rory Thomson and Hugo Gibbs were heavily involved in repelling Long Ashton’s attacks, often clearing dangerous balls and winning aerial duels. Jack Oatley’s goalkeeping was tested on multiple occasions, and he responded with some confident saves to keep his side in the game.

Despite the defensive efforts, Long Ashton Junior Youth U13 Galaxy managed to find the net three times, matching South West Mini's Utd’s own three goals. The match’s intensity never waned, with both sides pushing hard for a winner in the closing stages, but ultimately the game ended all square at 3-3.

This thrilling draw reflected the competitive nature of the league and the determination of both teams to claim maximum points. South West Mini's Utd’s 4-4-2 formation allowed them to compete effectively across all areas of the pitch, with contributions from defenders, midfielders, and forwards alike ensuring a memorable contest at Long Melford Colts F.C. U10.