In a thrilling friendly encounter held at West Worcester Park on 26 August 2025, Lads Club Juniors U12 emerged victorious with a final score of 0-0 against West Worcester Youth U12. The match, which kicked off at 6:30 pm, showcased a series of intense moments, with both teams demonstrating their skills in a tightly contested 60-minute battle.
Lads Club Juniors adopted a 2-5-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking plays. Lucas Price stood resolutely in goal, flanked by central defenders Archie Rigby and Louis Howells. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Finn Jones on the right, Musa Touray on the left, and a trio of central midfielders: Charlie Swain, Thomi Scoular, and Theo Lewis. Oscar Jones led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting the chances created by his midfielders.
The substitutes for Lads Club Juniors included Chase Bracegirdle, Flyn Watkins, Will Horley, Mali Lewis, and Charlie Clueit, who were poised to make an impact as the game progressed.
The match began with an early defensive display from Finn Jones, who executed a well-timed tackle in the seventh minute to thwart an attacking move from West Worcester. Just a minute later, Oscar Jones tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot that was saved, showcasing Lads Club's attacking intent. Finn Jones followed up with an attempt of his own, but his effort sailed high, signalling the team's eagerness to find the back of the net.
As the game unfolded, Lads Club Juniors made their first substitution in the 14th minute, bringing on Chase Bracegirdle for Theo Lewis. Shortly after, Flyn Watkins replaced Musa Touray, adding fresh legs to the left midfield position. The defensive prowess of Louis Howells was on display in the 15th minute when he prevented a clear chance with a crucial header.
In the 17th minute, Chase Bracegirdle made his mark by delivering a slide rule pass, demonstrating his vision and playmaking ability. Oscar Jones came close to scoring in the 18th minute, hitting the crossbar with a powerful strike, a moment that left the Lads Club supporters on the edge of their seats. The 18th minute also saw a substitution, with Mali Lewis entering the fray for Louis Howells.
Lucas Price was called into action shortly after, making a remarkable point-blank reaction save in the 19th minute, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable goalkeeper. The 20th minute saw another substitution, with Charlie Clueit coming on for Finn Jones, followed by Thomi Scoular replacing Oscar Jones in the 21st minute.
As the first half progressed, Lads Club Juniors continued to press forward. Theo Lewis was substituted out for Charlie Swain, who quickly sought to make an impact. Will Horley had a chance in the 22nd minute, but his shot was saved, as was Mali Lewis's attempt just moments later. The defensive efforts of Mali Lewis were commendable, as he made an interception to prevent a counter-attack.
The half-time whistle blew after a series of substitutions and attempts, with Lads Club Juniors maintaining their composure. The second half commenced with Charlie Clueit making a tackle in the 31st minute, showcasing the team's defensive resolve. Oscar Jones returned to the pitch in the 32nd minute, replacing Thomi Scoular.
Finn Jones had another opportunity in the 36th minute, but his shot was saved, while Archie Rigby made a clearance in the 37th minute to keep the scoreline intact. Musa Touray re-entered the match in the 37th minute, replacing Charlie Clueit, as Lads Club sought to maintain their attacking momentum.
Charlie Swain's effort in the 39th minute went wide, and the match saw further substitutions, with Thomi Scoular coming back on for Theo Lewis in the 40th minute. The second half continued with a flurry of activity, including an offside call against Thomi Scoular in the 41st minute, which was attributed to good defending from the opposition.
As the match neared its conclusion, Lucas Price was again called upon, making a diving save at the feet of an opponent in the 54th minute. The final substitutions saw Charlie Swain return to the pitch for Theo Lewis in the 55th minute, as Lads Club Juniors aimed to secure their clean sheet.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was a testament to the efforts of both teams, with Lads Club Juniors demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline throughout. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought draw, leaving both sides with plenty to build on for future encounters.
