Coalville Ravens Sunday welcomed Whetstone Pumas to Newbridge on the morning of 14 September 2025 for a 7-a-side league fixture kicking off at 9:15am. The match lasted 50 minutes plus added time, with Coalville Ravens Sunday running out comfortable 8-3 winners in a high-scoring encounter.
Coalville Ravens Sunday lined up in a 2-1-3 formation, deploying two central defenders, a central midfielder, and a three-pronged forward line. Jedd Garrett took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz forming the defensive duo. Alex Smigiel operated in the central midfield role, tasked with linking defence and attack. Up front, Hugo Evans played on the right forward flank, Rueben Allured-Rowley led as the striker, and Arkyn Brown occupied the left forward position. Eric Shaw was named as the substitute.
From the outset, Coalville Ravens Sunday showed defensive solidity as Nicholas Czwartosz made an early block in the opening minute to deny Whetstone Pumas a chance. The Ravens quickly asserted themselves going forward, with Rueben Allured-Rowley testing the opposition goal with an early attempt in the fifth minute. His persistence paid off a minute later when he was on the scoresheet, converting a well-placed assist from Alex Smigiel to open the scoring.
Rueben continued to press, firing another shot moments later, though it was saved by the Pumas’ goalkeeper. Jedd Garrett was soon called into action himself, making a crucial save in the eighth minute to keep the Ravens’ lead intact. At the same time, Jake Whiteman demonstrated his defensive prowess by blocking a dangerous effort, preventing a clear chance for the visitors.
The Ravens maintained their attacking momentum with Rueben Allured-Rowley attempting another shot in the tenth minute, followed by a near miss as he struck the post a minute later. Whetstone Pumas responded with a goal of their own in the 13th minute, briefly halving the deficit. However, Coalville quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Alex Smigiel scored from a Rueben Allured-Rowley assist in the 16th minute.
Coalville’s pressure paid dividends again in the 18th minute when Hugo Evans delivered a corner kick that resulted in an own goal by a Whetstone defender, extending the Ravens’ lead. Shortly after, a tactical substitution saw Eric Shaw replace Nicholas Czwartosz in the 19th minute. Rueben Allured-Rowley remained a constant threat, launching another attempt before Alex Smigiel doubled his tally with a goal in the 20th minute.
Whetstone Pumas pulled one back in the 23rd minute, keeping the contest alive heading into half-time at 5-3. The first half concluded at the 25-minute mark. Early in the second half, Alex Smigiel was substituted off for Nicholas Czwartosz, who returned to the field in the 27th minute. Jake Whiteman continued to provide defensive stability with a timely intervention in the 28th minute.
Despite Whetstone’s efforts, Coalville Ravens Sunday maintained control. The visitors scored again in the 31st minute, but Jedd Garrett was alert to make a key save in the 32nd minute. Alex Smigiel, now back on the pitch, contributed defensively with a block in the 33rd minute, followed by another vital save from Garrett a minute later.
Rueben Allured-Rowley remained active in attack, attempting a shot in the 36th minute. Alex Smigiel then completed his hat-trick of goals with a well-taken finish from a Rueben assist in the 38th minute. Eric Shaw, who had come on earlier, had a wide attempt moments later before being substituted off for Hugo Evans in the 39th minute.
The Ravens continued to pile on the pressure with Alex Smigiel scoring a spectacular left-footed screamer in the 40th minute. Arkyn Brown added to the tally with a goal in the 43rd minute, further extending Coalville’s commanding lead. Nicholas Czwartosz made another defensive block in the 45th minute to thwart the Pumas’ advances.
In the 46th minute, Hugo Evans once again delivered a corner kick that led to a second own goal by Whetstone Pumas, sealing the emphatic 8-3 victory for Coalville Ravens Sunday.
Alex Smigiel, Jake Whiteman, and Rueben Allured-Rowley were standout performers, each playing pivotal roles in both attack and defence to secure the comprehensive win. The Ravens’ clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved too much for Whetstone Pumas on the day.
