Sunday Ravens Secure 3-1 Victory Over Asfordby U9 Allstars

Sunday Ravens hosted Asfordby U9 Allstars at Newbridge High School #2 on the morning of 7 December 2025, kicking off promptly at 9:00am in a 7-a-side league encounter. Over the course of 50 minutes plus added time, Sunday Ravens emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, demonstrating early dominance and clinical finishing.

Deploying a 2-3-1 formation, Sunday Ravens set up with Jedd Garrett in goal, backed by central defenders Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz. The midfield trio consisted of Arkyn Brown on the left, Alex Smigiel centrally, and Hugo Evans on the right, tasked with both defensive duties and supplying the lone striker, Rueben Allured-Rowley. This setup was designed to provide solidity at the back while maintaining width and creativity in midfield to support the forward line. Eric Shaw was named as the substitute, ready to make an impact if called upon.

From the first whistle, Sunday Ravens showed intent as Rueben Allured-Rowley tested the opposition’s defence with an early attempt in the opening minute. Just two minutes later, the striker was on the scoresheet, converting a well-placed assist from right midfielder Hugo Evans to give the hosts an early lead. The goal set the tone for the match, with Sunday Ravens pressing high and looking to extend their advantage.

Goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was called into action shortly after, making a crucial save in the fourth minute to keep the clean sheet intact. The midfield then took control, with Alex Smigiel and Hugo Evans both attempting shots on goal in the fifth and seventh minutes respectively, though neither could find the net.

Sunday Ravens doubled their lead in the tenth minute when Rueben Allured-Rowley again found the back of the net, this time assisted by central midfielder Alex Smigiel. The striker’s clinical finishing was proving too much for Asfordby’s defence to handle. Attempts continued from Nicholas Czwartosz and Hugo Evans in the following minutes, showing the team’s attacking intent.

A tactical substitution came in the 13th minute as Eric Shaw replaced Nicholas Czwartosz in central defence, adding fresh legs to the backline. Jake Whiteman was soon called upon to make a vital defensive intervention in the 14th minute, helping to repel an Asfordby attack.

Asfordby U9 Allstars pulled a goal back in the 15th minute, halving the deficit and injecting some urgency into the contest. However, Sunday Ravens maintained their composure, with Hugo Evans and Alex Smigiel continuing to probe the opposition’s defence with attempts in the 16th and 17th minutes. Eric Shaw proved his defensive worth with a series of crucial clearances and interceptions between the 17th and 19th minutes, supported by Hugo Evans who also contributed defensively.

Alex Smigiel remained active, attempting shots and making defensive contributions up to the 24th minute, when the first half came to a close with Sunday Ravens leading 2-1.

The second half saw Hugo Evans continue to push forward, attempting a shot in the 28th minute, while Eric Shaw remained solid in defence. Another substitution followed shortly after, with Jake Whiteman returning to the field in place of left midfielder Arkyn Brown at the 29th minute mark, signalling a tactical adjustment.

Eric Shaw’s defensive resilience was again on display in the 33rd and 45th minutes, including a notable interception that helped stem the flow of Asfordby attacks. Rueben Allured-Rowley remained a constant threat, with attempts in the 34th, 37th, 42nd, and 44th minutes, finally securing his hat-trick in the 35th minute courtesy of another assist from Hugo Evans.

Midfield rotations continued as Arkyn Brown replaced Alex Smigiel in the 41st minute, before Alex Smigiel returned to the pitch in place of Hugo Evans three minutes later. The fluidity of these changes helped maintain the team’s balance and energy levels.

Defensive solidity was maintained late on with key interventions from Alex Smigiel and Nicholas Czwartosz in the 48th minute, ensuring the lead was preserved. Alex Smigiel also attempted a shot in the 49th minute, keeping the pressure on the opposition until the final whistle.

Sunday Ravens’ victory was built on a strong defensive foundation, midfield creativity, and the clinical finishing of Rueben Allured-Rowley, who was deservedly named player of the match alongside Nicholas Czwartosz and Arkyn Brown. Their combined efforts ensured a well-earned 3-1 triumph over Asfordby U9 Allstars in this competitive league fixture.