Coton Blue U12 welcomed Willingham Wolves U12 to Coton Rec on 28 August 2025 for a friendly match that ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. The match, which kicked off at 6:00 pm, showcased a thrilling contest filled with attacking flair and resilience from both sides.
Coton Blue lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, with Nico Dello-ioio stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive trio consisted of Hugo Manning on the right, Noah a in the centre, and Louis Toshner on the left. In midfield, Jake Fidgett occupied the right flank, while Elijah J took up the left, with Liam Edmonds and Gio Aresu positioned centrally. Lucas Yahya led the attack as the lone striker, expected to exploit any gaps in the opposition's defence.
The substitutes for Coton Blue were not listed, but the starting eleven were eager to make their mark on the game.
The match began with an early attempt from Gio Aresu in the fifth minute, but his effort was saved, setting the tone for an action-packed encounter. Just a minute later, the Willingham Wolves struck first, taking the lead with a close-range goal scored by one of their players, sending a ripple of concern through the Coton Blue ranks.
Coton Blue responded well, and in the 16th minute, Lucas Yahya provided a short pass to Jake Fidgett, who equalised with a well-placed left-footed shot from inside the box. The home side's momentum continued as Nico Dello-ioio showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a full-stretch save shortly after, denying the Wolves a chance to regain the lead.
Fidgett was relentless, attempting another shot in the 18th minute that was saved, but he was not deterred, although his next effort in the 23rd minute went wide of the target. Coton Blue's persistence paid off in the 26th minute when Liam Edmonds unleashed a stunning long-range strike with his right foot, putting his team ahead for the first time in the match.
As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 2-1 in favour of Coton Blue, but the Wolves were not finished yet. After the break, they equalised in the 37th minute with another close-range effort, demonstrating their fighting spirit.
Coton Blue's Lucas Yahya attempted to respond immediately, but his shot in the 38th minute was saved. The home side's goalkeeper, Dello-ioio, then had a moment to forget in the 42nd minute, as he sent a shot wide, leaving the door open for the Wolves.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 52nd minute when Lucas Yahya scored from close range, assisted by Liam Edmonds, putting Coton Blue back in front. Just moments later, an unfortunate own goal by a Willingham player, following a cross from Louis Toshner, extended Coton Blue's lead to 4-2.
However, the Wolves refused to capitulate, and in a thrilling finale, they managed to pull one back, making it 3-4. Lucas Yahya had another opportunity to extend the lead in the 55th minute, but his shot went wide, leaving the match finely poised.
In the end, both teams showcased their talents and determination, resulting in a well-deserved draw. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of youth football, with Coton Blue U12 and Willingham Wolves U12 both demonstrating skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout the 60 minutes of play.
