FTFC Reds vs Thornton Cleveleys FC U12
3 - 1
25 October 2025
Away league match played on 25 October 2025.
Kicked off at 9:00 AM
3-1
vs FTFC Reds
Away league match
On 25 October 2025, Thornton Cleveleys FC U12 Tigers travelled to Poolfoot Sports & Leisure Complex for a 9-a-side league clash against FTFC Reds, kicking off promptly at 9:00am. The match ended in a 3-1 defeat for the Tigers after a competitive 60 minutes of football plus added time.
Thornton Cleveleys lined up in a 2-1-4-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, a single central midfielder, four attacking midfielders across the flanks and centre, and a lone striker leading the line. Tobias Elson guarded the goal, with Jacob Gibson-Bird and Joseph Haddow forming the central defensive partnership. Toby McClaren started in the central midfield role, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking midfield quartet featured Thomas Turner-Jones on the right, Louis Sharrocks and Troy Murphy centrally, and Dylan Craven on the left, all expected to support the striker Zach Mangnall.
The substitutes bench included Rowan Thorpe, ready to make an impact when called upon.
The match began with Thornton Cleveleys attempting to assert themselves, but early changes disrupted their rhythm. At 17 minutes, Jacob Gibson-Bird replaced Toby McClaren in midfield, signalling a tactical adjustment. However, just four minutes later, FTFC Reds struck first, opening the scoring at the 21st minute. The visitors doubled their advantage swiftly at 23 minutes, leaving the Tigers chasing the game.
Further changes followed as Rowan Thorpe came on for Toby McClaren at the 30-minute mark, coinciding with the half-time whistle. The first half concluded with the Tigers trailing 2-0, needing a response in the second period.
Early in the second half, at 42 minutes, Rowan Thorpe replaced striker Zach Mangnall, shifting the attacking dynamic. The substitution paid immediate dividends as Thorpe found the net at 43 minutes, converting an assist from Louis Sharrocks to halve the deficit and inject hope into the Tigers’ performance.
Unfortunately, FTFC Reds restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later at 45 minutes, reasserting control of the match. Thornton Cleveleys made another change at 51 minutes, bringing Zach Mangnall back on for Jacob Gibson-Bird, aiming to bolster the attack and chase a comeback.
Despite spirited efforts, the Tigers were unable to find a second equaliser, and the match concluded 3-1 in favour of FTFC Reds. Thomas Turner-Jones was named player of the match for his determined displays on the right flank, consistently probing and creating opportunities throughout the contest.
Thornton Cleveleys FC U12 Tigers will look to regroup after this away defeat as they prepare for their next league fixture.