Cheltenham Town U12 Whites hosted Gloucester City U12 at Victoria Park on the evening of 13 September 2025, with kick-off promptly at 10:00pm. In a competitive 9-a-side league encounter lasting 80 minutes plus added time, Cheltenham emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline.
Cheltenham Town lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, deploying a back three composed of Charlie Swain at right defender, Harry Williams centrally, and Rhys Ball on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with maintaining solidity and providing cover against Gloucester’s attacks. Ahead of them, Flynn Gething and Russ Cresswell operated as central midfielders, expected to link defence and attack while controlling the tempo. The forward line featured Henry White on the right, Oscar Jones leading as the central striker, and Teddy Hogan on the left, all charged with creating and converting chances. Jamie Stinton guarded the goal. On the bench, Jake Werrett was named as the sole substitute.
The match burst into life almost immediately as Cheltenham took the lead in the second minute. Russ Cresswell unleashed a spectacular screamer from outside the box, expertly struck with his right foot following a neat short pass from Flynn Gething. This early goal set the tone and gave the home side an early advantage.
Throughout the first half, Cheltenham’s formation allowed them to control midfield and apply pressure on Gloucester’s defence, with the three forwards frequently interchanging positions to unsettle their opponents. The defensive trio remained disciplined, limiting Gloucester’s opportunities. The half-time whistle blew with Cheltenham comfortably ahead 1-0.
The second half saw Gloucester City come out with renewed vigour, and their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when they were awarded a penalty, which they converted to level the scores at 1-1. This moment shifted momentum briefly in Gloucester’s favour.
However, Cheltenham responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Henry White restored the lead with a close-range tap-in, neatly finished with his right foot after a short pass from Oscar Jones. This goal demonstrated Cheltenham’s resilience and attacking threat.
At the 66th minute mark, Cheltenham made their only substitution of the match, bringing on Jake Werrett to replace Oscar Jones. The change proved decisive as Werrett made an immediate impact, scoring from inside the box shortly after entering the field. His goal extended Cheltenham’s lead to 3-1 and effectively sealed the win.
Cheltenham Town U12 Whites showed a balanced blend of defensive organisation and attacking flair throughout the match. Their 3-2-3 formation allowed them to dominate possession and create clear chances, while their defensive trio kept Gloucester’s forwards largely at bay. The introduction of Jake Werrett added fresh impetus and contributed directly to the scoring.
In the end, Cheltenham’s early strike, quick response to Gloucester’s penalty, and late goal from the substitute ensured a well-earned home victory in this league fixture.
