Wellington Youth U12 3 vs 1 Lads Club Juniors U12

On 22 April 2026, Lads Club Juniors U12 travelled to Wellington Playing Fields for a mid week 6:30pm kick-off in a league away fixture against Wellington Youth U12. The 9-a-side contest ended in a 3-1 defeat for Lads Club Juniors, who fought hard but ultimately were outscored by their hosts over the 60 minutes plus added time.

Lads Club Juniors lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Charlie Clueit on the right, Archie Rigby centrally, and Charlie Arnold on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Thomi Scoular on the right wing, Zayn Prosser and Theo Lewis occupying central midfield roles, and Joseph Lee on the left flank. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, supported just behind by the midfield. Lucas Price guarded the goal. The substitutes available were Finn Jones, Flyn Watkins, and Chase Bracegirdle.

From the outset, Lads Club Juniors showed intent. Within three minutes, goalkeeper Lucas Price was already involved, making an early intervention. Oscar Jones tested the Wellington defence with a close effort in the same minute, signalling the Juniors’ attacking ambitions. Two minutes later, Price launched a long pass that sought to spring a counterattack, while Charlie Clueit demonstrated defensive solidity with a timely tackle.

The breakthrough came swiftly at the fifth minute when Oscar Jones converted a timely pass from Thomi Scoular with his left foot inside the box, giving Lads Club Juniors an early lead. The goal was a reward for their positive start. Joseph Lee then forced a save from the Wellington keeper a minute later, showing promise on the left wing. Lucas Price continued to impress with a catch at seven minutes and a fingertip save pushed around the cross bar at eight, keeping his side in front.

However, frustrations surfaced when Joseph Lee conceded a foul for a push at the 12th minute. The defence was kept busy as Archie Rigby blocked a chance at 13 minutes, with Charkie Clueit clearing danger soon after. Archie Rigby remained alert, clearing again at 15 minutes, while Theo Lewis contributed with a crucial tackle. Archie Rigby’s interception at the same time prevented a clear scoring opportunity, highlighting the defensive resilience despite the pressure.

At the 20th minute mark, the first substitution saw Finn Jones replace Joseph Lee. Shortly after, two more changes were made: Flyn Watkins came on for Thomi Scoular, and Chase Bracegirdle replaced Oscar Jones. These tactical tweaks aimed to refresh the squad as Wellington’s pressure intensified.

Charlie Clueit’s long pass at 25 minutes sought to relieve pressure, while Charlie Arnold’s shot was saved at 26 minutes after Charlie Arnold made an interception and played a quick one two before driving down the wing, showing his involvement at both ends. Archie Rigby’s header went agonisingly wide at 27 minutes, but the momentum shifted as Wellington Youth equalised with a close-range right-footed volley from a well placed cross at 28 minutes.

The first half concluded at 30 minutes with the scores level at 1-1. Early into the second half, Oscar Jones returned to the pitch, replacing Chase Bracegirdle. However, at 31 minutes, Theo Lewis was penalised for a push, signalling a physical contest. Wellington then took the lead at 38 minutes with a close-range tap-in when the striker beat Lucas to the ball from a low cross.

Despite the setback, Thomi Scoular showed determination with a tackle at 43 minutes. At 45 minutes, Charlie Clueit came on for Charlie Arnold, reinforcing the defensive line. The substitutions continued with Finn Jones replacing Flyn Watkins and Charlie Arnold returning for Oscar Jones at 50 minutes, coinciding with Wellington extending their advantage through a left-footed strike inside the box.

Flyn Watkins then came on for Zayn Prosser at 52 minutes, while Charlie Arnold’s shot was saved moments later. Lucas Price remained active in goal with several interventions between 54 and 60 minutes, including clearances and other key saves, striving to keep his side in the contest. Chase Bracegirdle also re-entered the fray at 53 minutes, replacing Joseph Lee.

Despite Lads Club Juniors’ efforts and Lukas Price’s commendable goalkeeping, Wellington Youth secured a 3-1 victory. The Juniors’ standout performer was right midfielder/left defender Thomi Scoular, whose work rate and contribution earned him the player of the match accolade. The game highlighted moments of promise for Lads Club Juniors but also exposed areas for improvement as they look ahead to thier final game in the league.