On the morning of 5 October 2025, Skelmersdale Youth U9 hosted TQ Sports Lazio U9 at Ormskirk School in a 7-a-side league neutral match, kicking off promptly at 9:30am. The contest lasted 40 minutes plus added time, with Skelmersdale Youth securing a narrow 1-0 victory over their opponents.
Skelmersdale Youth lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying George Grant in goal to marshal the defence. Isaac Graham and Arthur Forshaw took up the two central defensive roles, tasked with protecting the backline and breaking up Lazio’s attacks. The midfield trio consisted of Aaron Huxley on the left, Jack Dalziel centrally, and Peter Gerrard-Little on the right, each expected to link defence and attack while providing width and creativity. Leading the line was striker Harry Wright, whose role was to spearhead the offensive efforts and convert chances. On the bench were substitutes Harry Humphreys, Oliver Foster, and Forrest Wallis, ready to impact the game as tactical changes unfolded.
The match began with Skelmersdale Youth probing for openings. Early attempts came from Peter Gerrard-Little, who twice tested the opposition defence with efforts that went wide in the 5th and 16th minutes. Jack Dalziel’s inventive flick at the 10-minute mark created a promising chance, signalling the midfield’s intent to unlock Lazio’s defence. Tactical substitutions followed swiftly at the 13th minute, with Harry Humphreys replacing Aaron Huxley and Oliver Foster coming on for Jack Dalziel, signalling a shift in midfield dynamics.
Defensively, Skelmersdale’s backline was resolute. Arthur Forshaw intercepted a dangerous move in the 16th minute, preventing a clear chance, while Isaac Graham’s crucial tackle a minute later further frustrated Lazio’s advances. Oliver Foster also had an early attempt at goal in the 18th minute, though it drifted wide. Goalkeeper George Grant was alert, comfortably catching a shot in the 19th minute to maintain the clean sheet.
Shortly after, Forrest Wallis replaced striker Harry Wright in the 19th minute as part of tactical adjustments. However, it was Harry Wright who made the decisive contribution moments later, scoring the only goal of the match in the 20th minute. Wright’s close-range finish inside the box with his left foot gave Skelmersdale Youth the lead just before half-time.
The second half saw continued defensive solidity from Skelmersdale Youth. Isaac Graham executed another vital tackle in the 21st minute, and Arthur Forshaw followed up with a key challenge in the 24th minute, both denying Lazio scoring opportunities. Up front, Harry Humphreys, introduced earlier, tested the opposition goalkeeper twice, once forcing a save in the 26th minute and then firing high over the bar three minutes later. Forrest Wallis also had a wide attempt in the 31st minute, while Arthur Forshaw’s long pass at 32 minutes sought to create further chances, though none materialised.
Another tactical substitution occurred in the 35th minute, with Peter Gerrard-Little returning to the field in place of Harry Humphreys. Arthur Forshaw continued to push forward, but his effort in the 36th minute went wide. George Grant remained vigilant in goal, making a crucial dive at the feet of an attacker in the 38th minute to preserve the slender lead.
Skelmersdale Youth’s defensive discipline and timely attacking moments proved decisive in this tightly contested encounter. The team’s ability to adapt tactically with substitutions and maintain concentration throughout ensured they held on for a valuable 1-0 victory over TQ Sports Lazio U9.
Harry Humphreys, Arthur Forshaw, and Jack Dalziel were recognised as players of the match for their influential performances across the pitch, combining defensive resilience and creative spark to secure the win.
