Match Report - BRAUNSTONE ATHLETIC U9 REBELS - 02 Nov 2025

Sunday Ravens hosted Braunstone Athletic U8 Rebels at Newbridge on 2nd November 2025, with kick-off at 9:00pm in a tightly contested 7-a-side league match lasting 50 minutes plus injury time. Despite a valiant effort, Sunday Ravens narrowly lost 5-6 in a pulsating encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Sunday Ravens lined up in a 2-1-3 formation, deploying two central defenders, one central midfielder, and a trio of forwards across the left, central, and right attacking positions. Jedd Garrett took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz formed the central defensive partnership, expected to thwart opposition attacks and initiate play from the back. Arkyn Brown operated as the central midfielder, a pivotal role linking defence and attack while providing interceptions and forward thrusts. Up front, Alex Smigiel played as left forward, Rueben Allured-Rowley led the line as striker, and Hugo Evans occupied the right forward berth, each charged with creating and converting chances. On the bench, Eric Shaw and Finley Brothwell awaited their opportunity to influence proceedings.

The match burst into life immediately with Hugo Evans firing an early attempt wide in the opening minute. However, Braunstone Athletic responded swiftly, scoring in the second minute to take an early lead. Sunday Ravens quickly hit back when Rueben Allured-Rowley capitalised on an assist from Jake Whiteman to level the scores by the fourth minute. The early exchanges were frenetic, with goalkeeper Jedd Garrett already called into action by the fifth minute, making crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.

Defensively, Sunday Ravens showed resilience as Alex Smigiel intercepted a dangerous Braunstone move at the same time as Garrett’s save. Hugo Evans was particularly active in defence, making interceptions at the sixth, ninth, and tenth minutes, while Arkyn Brown also contributed with an interception at nine minutes. The defensive efforts were complemented by Jake Whiteman’s timely block at fourteen minutes, preventing a clear chance, and Nicholas Czwartosz’s interception moments later.

Sunday Ravens’ attacking threat remained potent. Rueben Allured-Rowley doubled his tally at the eleventh minute, assisted by Hugo Evans, before Alex Smigiel’s shot was saved a minute later. Attempts from Hugo Evans and Arkyn Brown followed, both saved at the fifteenth minute, with Brown also firing wide in the same period. The intensity of the match saw a double substitution at the sixteenth minute, with Eric Shaw replacing Nicholas Czwartosz and Finley Brothwell coming on for Hugo Evans, signalling tactical adjustments.

Rueben Allured-Rowley continued to shine, netting again at the twentieth minute from a pass by Alex Smigiel, putting Sunday Ravens ahead. Braunstone Athletic responded immediately with a goal at the twenty-first minute, maintaining the tight scoreline. Further changes came at the twenty-third minute as Hugo Evans returned to the field, replacing Arkyn Brown.

The first half concluded with a flurry of substitutions and a goal from Braunstone Athletic at the twenty-seventh minute, keeping the visitors firmly in the contest. Jake Whiteman and Arkyn Brown returned to the field at the twenty-sixth minute, replacing Eric Shaw and Alex Smigiel respectively, restoring some familiarity to the side.

Sunday Ravens pressed forward with Finley Brothwell attempting a shot at twenty-eight minutes, followed by a crucial save from Jedd Garrett at twenty-nine. Hugo Evans and Rueben Allured-Rowley both made interceptions in the early thirties, while Eric Shaw blocked an attempt at thirty-three minutes. Rueben Allured-Rowley scored his fourth goal at thirty-four minutes, assisted once more by Hugo Evans, demonstrating his clinical finishing.

Defensive solidity was evident as Nicholas Czwartosz intercepted and blocked Braunstone’s efforts at thirty-four and thirty-eight minutes respectively, with Finley Brothwell also contributing blocks in the late thirties. Hugo Evans remained industrious, intercepting and tackling to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm.

At the fortieth minute, Jake Whiteman replaced Eric Shaw, while Arkyn Brown’s saved attempt came at forty-one minutes, alongside a wide effort from Hugo Evans. Jedd Garrett’s goalkeeping heroics continued with another save at forty-three minutes. Hugo Evans intercepted again at forty-four minutes before Finley Brothwell was replaced by Arkyn Brown at forty-five minutes. Braunstone Athletic scored again at this juncture, intensifying the pressure on Sunday Ravens.

In the closing stages, Rueben Allured-Rowley had a shot saved at forty-seven minutes but remained defensively alert with an interception at forty-eight. Braunstone Athletic struck twice in quick succession at forty-seven and forty-eight minutes, edging ahead. Nicholas Czwartosz intercepted once more at forty-nine minutes, and Jedd Garrett made a vital save at the fiftieth minute. Hugo Evans completed a crucial tackle before Alex Smigiel scored Sunday Ravens’ fifth goal in the final moments.

Despite the late rally, Sunday Ravens were unable to overturn the deficit, falling 5-6 in a gripping contest. The match was marked by the outstanding performances of goalkeeper Jedd Garrett, who made numerous key saves, and striker Rueben Allured-Rowley, who netted four goals. Arkyn Brown also impressed with his midfield interceptions and link-up play. The game showcased the attacking flair and defensive determination of Sunday Ravens, though Braunstone Athletic’s resilience ultimately secured them the narrow victory.