Woolston Rovers Thundercats Edge Beechwood JFC U12 Rubys 5-4

Woolston Rovers Thundercats welcomed Beechwood JFC U12 Rubys to Birchwood Community High School on 11 January 2026 for a thrilling 9-a-side league encounter that kicked off at 7:00am. The home side emerged victorious in a pulsating 60-minute contest, edging their opponents by a single goal in a 5-4 scoreline.

Woolston Rovers Thundercats lined up in a 4-3-1 formation, deploying Amelia Searle in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Jess Evans at right defender, Martha Darnton and Emily Ball as central defenders, and Meah Lee covering the left flank. Ahead of them, the midfield trio featured Nellie Proctor on the right, Lexie Davies centrally, and Ruby Lawton on the left, with Robyn Wilkinson leading the line as the lone striker. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing midfield creativity and support for the forward. The substitutes available were Lyla Carr, Izzy Acklam-Davies, and Heidi Whaley.

The match burst into life early on when Lexie Davies opened the scoring in the fourth minute, expertly finishing after a precise assist from Robyn Wilkinson. The early goal set the tone for an open and competitive game. However, Beechwood JFC U12 Rubys responded ten minutes later, levelling the score at 1-1 with a well-taken strike that tested the home defence.

Shortly after, Woolston Rovers made a double substitution at the 15th minute mark, bringing on Lyla Carr for Robyn Wilkinson and Izzy Acklam-Davies replacing Meah Lee. This tactical change injected fresh energy into the side. The impact was immediate as Lexie Davies doubled the lead in the 18th minute, this time assisted by the lively Lyla Carr. Moments later, goalkeeper Amelia Searle demonstrated her quality with a crucial tip over the bar, keeping the visitors at bay.

The home side continued to rotate their squad with Heidi Whaley coming on for Ruby Lawton in the 20th minute. Just two minutes later, Lyla Carr added a third goal for Woolston Rovers, finishing off a move orchestrated by Lexie Davies. The visitors were struggling to contain the home midfield maestro, who then grabbed another goal for herself in the 25th minute, extending the lead further.

Despite a wide attempt from Lyla Carr in the 27th minute, the Thundercats pressed on relentlessly. Lexie Davies completed her hat-trick in the 28th minute, putting Woolston Rovers 5-1 ahead. The first half concluded with the home side firmly in control.

The second half began with immediate changes as Meah Lee returned to the field for Izzy Acklam-Davies, and Robyn Wilkinson was reintroduced in place of Lexie Davies at the 31st minute. Beechwood JFC U12 Rubys pulled a goal back in the 34th minute, signalling their intent to fight back.

Further substitutions followed in the 44th minute with Ruby Lawton replacing Nellie Proctor and Lexie Davies returning for Heidi Whaley. Robyn Wilkinson tested the opposition keeper with a shot that was well saved, maintaining the narrow margin.

Defensively, Woolston Rovers showed resilience. Emily Ball made a vital clearance in the 47th minute to prevent a clear chance, while Martha Darnton intercepted a dangerous attack in the 52nd minute, both crucial interventions to keep the visitors at bay.

Nellie Proctor returned to the pitch for Emily Ball in the 49th minute, but Beechwood JFC U12 Rubys capitalised on the moment to score again, reducing the deficit to 5-3. The visitors continued to press and scored once more in the 56th minute, bringing the scoreline to a tense 5-4.

Despite the late pressure, Woolston Rovers held firm to secure a narrow but hard-fought victory. The referee officiated the match impeccably, ensuring a fair and flowing game throughout.

Amelia Searle’s goalkeeping heroics, combined with Lexie Davies’ remarkable four-goal haul and the impactful performances of substitutes Lyla Carr, Izzy Acklam-Davies, and Heidi Whaley, were instrumental in the home side’s success. Robyn Wilkinson and Ruby Lawton also contributed significantly both in attack and midfield.

This thrilling encounter at Birchwood Community High School will be remembered for its end-to-end action and the resilience shown by Woolston Rovers Thundercats to hold on for all three points.