Trowbridge Town U14s faced off against Highworth Town Junior FC U14 H in a gripping league match at The Elms Recreation Ground on 11 May 2025, kicking off at 9:30 am. The match concluded with Trowbridge emerging victorious with a scoreline of 3-2, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
Trowbridge set up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Henri Turner occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back three comprising Josh Bailey on the right, Charlie Amor in the centre, and Leo Shepherd on the left. Dan Jackman played a pivotal role as the central midfielder, orchestrating play from the heart of the pitch. The attacking midfield quartet featured Leon Jones on the right, Cole Pender and Ollie Curtis centrally & Austin Cooper on the left, with Alfie Nyarko and Roman Snow leading the line as forwards.
The substitutes for Trowbridge included Jake Wells, Ruben Reeves, and Roy Mufalo, who were poised to make an impact from the bench as the match unfolded.
The match began with Trowbridge looking to assert their dominance early on. Roman Snow had a promising attempt in the 10th minute, but his shot sailed high, failing to trouble the Highworth goalkeeper. However, just two minutes later, a defensive mistake from Trowbridge allowed Highworth to capitalise, and they took the lead with a goal that left the visitors reeling.
Trowbridge responded with intent, and Dan Jackman tested the Highworth keeper in the 15th minute, but his effort was saved. The visitors made a tactical shift in the 19th minute, introducing Jake Wells, Ruben Reeves, and Roy Mufalo in quick succession, replacing Leon Jones, Austin Cooper, and Cole Pender respectively. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield and attack.
Wells quickly made his presence felt, attempting a shot in the 21st minute that was saved, while Reeves followed suit with a wide effort shortly after. Ollie Curtis also had a chance in the 26th minute, but his shot was thwarted by the Highworth defence. Jake Wells continued to press, but his attempt in the 28th minute was again saved, as Trowbridge struggled to find the equaliser before half-time.
As the first half drew to a close, Trowbridge found themselves trailing 1-0. The second half commenced with renewed vigour, and Trowbridge made three substitutions in the 38th minute, bringing on Austin Cooper, Cole Pender, and Leon Jones for Leo Shepherd, Ollie Curtis, and Josh Bailey respectively.
Just after the half-time break, Trowbridge's persistence paid off when an own goal from a Highworth player, assisted by Roy Mufalo, levelled the score at 1-1 in the 39th minute. The momentum shifted further in Trowbridge's favour when Roy Mufalo scored in the 41st minute, converting a chance set up by Jake Wells to put Trowbridge ahead 2-1.
Roy Mufalo nearly added to his tally in the 42nd minute but missed the target. Trowbridge extended their lead in the 49th minute when Jake Wells scored, assisted by Alfie Nyarko, making it 3-1 and putting the visitors in a commanding position.
Highworth, however, refused to back down and fought back, with a goal in the 68th minute stemming from another defensive error, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Trowbridge made further substitutions in the closing stages, bringing on Roman Snow and Alfie Nyarko for Roy Mufalo and Cole Pender respectively in the 69th minute.
As the match approached its conclusion, Trowbridge sought to maintain their lead, but Charlie Amor's attempt in the final minute went wide, leaving the score unchanged. The final whistle blew, confirming Trowbridge Town U14s' hard-fought victory, a testament to their determination and skill on the pitch.
