Castlecourt JFC U13 travelled to Buckley Hill Playing Fields on 27 September 2025 for a 10:30am kick-off against Forefield Rangers 13 in a keenly contested league away fixture. The match ended in a 3-2 defeat for Castlecourt after a pulsating 70 minutes of bfootball plus added time.
Castlecourt lined up in a 3-2-3-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Kayden Burns on the right, Khail Davis centrally, and Logan Dickinson on the left. The midfield featured two central midfielders, Reuben Darley and Mason Bullen, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play forward. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio consisted of Bray Ryles-Evans on the right, Conlan Doyle-Wall centrally, and Alex Douras-Wohler on the left, expected to create chances and support the two forwards. Up front, Harry Richardson operated as the right forward with Alfie Davies on the left, both charged with leading the line and converting opportunities. The goalkeeper was Ben Standrell, the last line of defence. The substitutes available were Tyler McDonald and Leo Douras.
The match began with Forefield Rangers taking an early lead in the 10th minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake from Castlecourt. This early setback put Castlecourt on the back foot as they sought to regain composure. Tactical changes followed swiftly in the 19th minute when Tyler McDonald replaced Reuben Darley and Leo Douras came on for Bray Ryles-Evans, signalling a shift in approach to regain control in midfield and attack.
Despite these adjustments, Forefield Rangers doubled their advantage in the 31st minute, extending their lead before the half-time whistle at 35 minutes. Castlecourt’s defensive frailties were exposed again, and the team faced a challenging second half.
At half-time, further changes were made. Khail Davis was brought on, replacing Reuben Darley, and Bray Ryles-Evans returned to the pitch, coming on for the injured Alex Douras-Wohler. These substitutions aimed to bolster the defence and reinvigorate the attacking midfield.
Castlecourt responded with renewed vigour, and in the 42nd minute, Harry Richardson fired a spectacular goal from outside the box with his right foot, following a precise long pass from Mason Bullen. This goal injected hope and momentum into Castlecourt’s play.
However, Forefield Rangers restored their two-goal cushion in the 56th minute through a close-range header from a set piece, demonstrating their aerial threat and composure in dead-ball situations. Shortly after, in the 57th minute, another substitution was forced by injury as Khail Davis replaced Leo Douras.
Castlecourt refused to give up and pulled a goal back in the 61st minute when Harry Richardson struck again with a stunning effort from outside the box, this time assisted by a short pass from Conlan Doyle-Wall. This screamer electrified the Castlecourt side and set up a tense finale.
Despite their efforts, Castlecourt could not find an equaliser, and Forefield Rangers held on to secure a 3-2 victory. Harry Richardson’s brace stood out as a highlight, supported by the solid performances of goalkeeper Ben Standrell and left forward Alfie Davies, who were all named players of the match for their contributions.
Castlecourt JFC U13 showed resilience and attacking intent but were ultimately undone by early defensive errors and a clinical Forefield Rangers side at Buckley Hill Playing Fields.
