In a gripping sun drenched friendly match held at Hereford Pegasus FC on 15 August 2025, Lads Club Juniors U12 and Pegasus Flyers U12 played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw. The match, which kicked off at 5:45 pm, showcased the talents of both teams in a competitive 9-a-side format.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, with Lucas Price stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive line was anchored by central defenders Archie Rigby and Louis Howells, while the midfield was packed with five players: Finn Jones on the right, Charlie Swain, Thomi Scoular, and Theo Lewis in central roles, and Charlie Arnold on the left. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, expected to exploit any gaps in the opposition's defence. The substitutes for the match included Musa Touray, Flyn Watkins, Mali Lewis, and Romeo Roberts.
The match began with an early flourish as Oscar Jones opened the scoring in the fourth minute, converting a well-placed slide pass from Louis Howells with his left foot inside the box. This early goal set the tone for a lively encounter, but the Juniors were soon forced to make a substitution with the sun beating down on the players as Thomi Scoular was replaced by Musa Touray.
Just a minute later, Charlie Arnold found himself in an offside position due to a mistimed run, halting a promising attack. As the match progressed, Oscar Jones attempted to extend the lead in the 18th minute, but his shot was saved, leading to his substitution moments later as Mali Lewis came on for him.
The Juniors continued to press, with Archie Rigby sending a shot high over the bar from a free kick in the 19th minute, followed by Charlie Swain striking the post just a minute later, showcasing the attacking intent of the team. In the 22nd minute, Finn Jones was substituted for Romeo Roberts, while Lucas Price made a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent to maintain the lead.
As the first third drew to a close, Lads Club Juniors made further tactical changes, bringing Thomi Scoular back on for Musa Touray in the 23rd minute and substituting Finn Jones for Charlie Arnold in the 25th minute. The first third whistle blew with the score at 1-0, leaving both teams eager to make their mark in the second half.
The second half commenced with Mali Lewis attempting a shot wide of the target shortly after the restart. In the 32nd minute, Pegasus Flyers equalised with a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, leaving Lucas Price with little chance. However, Lads Club Juniors responded immediately, as Finn Jones restored their lead just a minute later with a powerful run and right-footed effort from outside the area.
The Juniors made further substitutions, bringing Oscar Jones back on for Charlie Swain in the 34th minute. Oscar then made a key pass in the 41st minute, flicking the ball onto Charlie Arnold to create a chance, but the team could not capitalise on it. The match took another twist in the 44th minute when an own goal from Lads Club Juniors levelled the score at 2-2.
As the match continued, Musa Touray returned to the pitch in the 46th minute, replacing Finn Jones, while Lucas Price was swapped with Romeo Roberts in a tactical switch. Oscar Jones was involved again, making a cross pass that created a chance in the 52nd minute, although Lucas Price's headed attempt went wide.
In the 55th minute, Flyn Watkins came on for Theo Lewis, and Thomi Scoular returned to the fray, replacing Oscar Jones. The match reached a thrilling climax when Thomi Scoular scored in the 57th minute, converting a long pass from Archie Rigby with his right foot, putting the Juniors ahead 3-2.
However, the excitement was far from over. Just five minutes later, Pegasus Flyers equalised again with a direct free-kick from outside the box, making it 3-3. Oscar Jones had one final attempt in the 64th minute, as he battleded with a defender but his shot went just wide of the post, leaving the match to end in a dramatic draw.
Both teams displayed commendable skill and determination, ensuring that this friendly encounter will be remembered for its intensity and the quality of football on display.
