Sunday Ravens And Croft Juniors Draw 3-3 In Thrilling 7-A-Side Clash

Sunday Ravens travelled to Croft Recreation Ground #1 on 12 October 2025 for a 12:30pm kick-off in a league away match against Croft Juniors 2013 U9 Blues. The 50-minute 7-a-side encounter ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils after a fiercely contested battle.

Sunday Ravens lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the right, centre and left, and a lone striker up front. Jedd Garrett took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. The defensive partnership consisted of Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz, both central defenders expected to provide solidity and thwart opposition attacks. The midfield trio featured Hugo Evans on the right, Alex Smigiel centrally, and Arkyn Brown on the left, each responsible for linking defence and attack, supporting both offensively and defensively. Leading the line was striker Rueben Allured-Rowley, whose role was to spearhead attacks and convert chances. On the bench were substitutes Finley Brothwell and Eric Shaw, ready to influence the game when called upon.

The match began with early defensive work from Hugo Evans, who made a vital intervention in the third minute to halt a Croft Juniors advance. Sunday Ravens’ first attacking threat came shortly after when striker Rueben Allured-Rowley tested the opposition’s defence with an attempt in the sixth minute. The defensive duo of Nicholas Czwartosz and Jake Whiteman were busy in the 11th minute, both making key clearances to keep the visitors in the contest.

Hugo Evans showed his attacking intent with a shot on goal in the 12th minute before being substituted off the pitch a minute later, replaced by Finley Brothwell. The following minute saw another change as Eric Shaw came on for Arkyn Brown, signalling a tactical tweak. Jake Whiteman continued his defensive duties with a timely block in the 14th minute, while goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was called into action multiple times between the 16th and 19th minutes, making crucial saves to deny Croft Juniors.

Rueben Allured-Rowley remained a constant threat, attempting shots in the 17th minute, alongside an effort from Jake Whiteman. Garrett’s goalkeeping heroics continued with further saves at 18 and 19 minutes, keeping the scoreline level. Jake Whiteman again tried his luck with a shot in the 20th minute, while Nicholas Czwartosz made another important defensive intervention in the 22nd minute.

Finley Brothwell showed his attacking promise with an attempt on goal in the 24th minute before the half-time whistle blew at 25 minutes, with the score still goalless.

The second half started with immediate attacking pressure from Rueben Allured-Rowley, who fired an attempt in the 26th minute. Tactical substitutions followed in the 28th minute as Hugo Evans returned to the field replacing Alex Smigiel, and Arkyn Brown came back on for Jake Whiteman. Evans quickly made an impact with a defensive clearance in the same minute.

Croft Juniors broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, scoring the opening goal to take the lead. The goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was again called upon in the 37th minute, but Croft Juniors doubled their advantage with a second goal at the same time.

Sunday Ravens responded swiftly as Alex Smigiel pulled one back in the 38th minute, assisted by Hugo Evans, reigniting hope for the visitors. Eric Shaw contributed defensively with a block in the 42nd minute, and further changes saw Nicholas Czwartosz replace Jake Whiteman in the 43rd minute.

Alex Smigiel tested the opposition keeper again with a shot in the 44th minute. Substitutions continued with Rueben Allured-Rowley returning for Arkyn Brown in the 45th minute, and both Evans and Allured-Rowley launched attempts on goal in the closing stages of the match between the 45th and 47th minutes.

Jake Whiteman made a crucial defensive clearance in the 48th minute, and Jedd Garrett produced another vital save in the 49th minute, with Whiteman again defending resolutely moments later.

Croft Juniors extended their lead with a goal in the 50th minute, but Sunday Ravens refused to capitulate. Alex Smigiel equalised in the 52nd minute, assisted by Arkyn Brown, before Hugo Evans completed the comeback with a goal in the 53rd minute, set up by Smigiel.

The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Sunday Ravens showing great resilience and attacking quality to claw back from behind twice. Standout performances came from Hugo Evans, Finley Brothwell and Alex Smigiel, who were named players of the match for their significant contributions both in defence and attack.