Stradbroke YFC U14’s Fall To Needham Market Phoenix F.C. U14 White 3-1 Away

Stradbroke YFC U14’s travelled to Needham Market Phoenix F.C. U14 White’s home ground for a league away fixture on 26 October 2025, kicking off promptly at 10:00am. The 70-minute contest ended in a 3-1 defeat for Stradbroke, despite an early goal that promised a competitive encounter.

Stradbroke lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, a setup designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking support. Jude Wharton took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the backline and keeping a clean sheet. The defensive quartet consisted of Ollie Clarke at right back, Jai Williams and Lewis Harvey as central defenders, and Edward Last covering the left flank. In midfield, Will Russell operated centrally, flanked by Jimmy Bealing on the right and Sid Bryant on the left, expected to provide both defensive cover and forward thrust. Ahead of them, Tom Cooke and James Thurlow occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, charged with creating chances and linking play to the lone striker, Robin Chambers, who led the line.

No substitutes were named for Stradbroke in this fixture.

The match began with Stradbroke showing intent, and it was Robin Chambers who opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Chambers capitalised on a well-crafted assist from Tom Cooke, who found space on the right attacking midfield position to deliver a precise pass. Chambers’ finish was clinical, giving Stradbroke an early advantage and setting the tone for the first half.

However, Needham Market Phoenix responded strongly. Their equaliser came in the 32nd minute, breaking down Stradbroke’s defensive organisation. The visitors struggled to contain their opponents’ attacking momentum as the home side pressed forward. Just six minutes later, Needham Market doubled their lead in the 38th minute, turning the game on its head before the interval. Stradbroke’s defenders, particularly the central pairing of Williams and Harvey, were tested repeatedly but were unable to prevent the home side’s incisive strikes.

The half-time whistle blew at the 35th minute mark, signalling a brief pause in a game that had swung dramatically in Needham Market’s favour.

The second half saw Stradbroke attempt to regain control, but the home team continued to dominate. Early in the second period, at the 49th minute, Needham Market extended their lead to 3-1. This goal further unsettled Stradbroke’s shape and morale, as the visitors found it increasingly difficult to mount a meaningful comeback. Despite the efforts of midfielders Russell, Bealing, and Bryant to regain possession and create opportunities, the final third proved stubborn.

Defensively, Ollie Clarke and Edward Last worked hard to contain attacks down the flanks, but the pressure from Needham Market’s forwards was relentless. Robin Chambers remained a focal point in attack, but with limited service following the home side’s dominance, Stradbroke’s threat diminished as the match progressed.

Ultimately, the game concluded with Needham Market Phoenix F.C. U14 White securing a 3-1 victory on their home turf. Stradbroke will look to regroup and build on the positives from their early goal and midfield efforts as they prepare for their next league challenge.