Woolston Rovers Thundercats travelled to King George V Playing Fields in Widnes on 14 September 2025 for a 7:00am kick-off against Widnes FC Juniors U12 Widnes Fire in a 9-a-side league fixture. The Thundercats emerged dominant with a convincing 5-1 victory in a 60-minute encounter, showcasing clinical finishing and tactical discipline.
Woolston Rovers set up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back to provide a solid defensive base. Jess Evans took up the right defender role, Isabella Charnley anchored the central defence, and Emily Ball operated on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Lexie Davies on the right, Ruby Lawton and Heidi Whaley centrally, and Amelia Searle on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting attacks. Robyn Wilkinson led the line as the lone striker, positioned to capitalise on chances created by the midfield. The substitutes named were Lyla Carr and Meah Lee, ready to impact proceedings as the match unfolded.
The game began with Woolston Rovers pressing forward early on. At nine minutes, Lexie Davies tested the opposition’s defence with a wide attempt, signalling the team’s attacking intent. However, Widnes FC Juniors struck first at 11 minutes, taking an early lead that threatened to unsettle the visitors. Despite this setback, Woolston Rovers maintained composure and continued to probe, with Davies again attempting a shot at 15 minutes, though this effort flew high over the bar.
The Thundercats made a double substitution at 19 minutes, bringing on Lyla Carr for Heidi Whaley and Meah Lee for Amelia Searle, signalling a tactical shift to inject fresh energy into midfield and attack. Lexie Davies continued to seek openings, firing another wide shot at 22 minutes. Robyn Wilkinson then forced a save from the Widnes goalkeeper at 28 minutes, followed swiftly by Meah Lee’s own attempt being denied at 29 minutes. The first half concluded at 30 minutes with the scoreline still 1-0 in favour of Widnes.
Early in the second half, Woolston Rovers made another change, reintroducing Amelia Searle for Emily Ball at 31 minutes, which immediately paid dividends. Just a minute later, Lyla Carr equalised with a close-range finish using her left foot, expertly assisted by a long pass from Wilkinson. The momentum swung firmly in Woolston’s favour as Meah Lee followed up with a goal of her own at 33 minutes, converting a short pass from Wilkinson with her right foot from close range.
Lexie Davies then stepped up to convert a penalty at 40 minutes, slotting the ball home with her right foot to give the Thundercats a 3-1 lead. The dominance continued with Meah Lee scoring again at 50 minutes, this time inside the box after a neat short pass from Davies. This period also saw a flurry of substitutions: Heidi Whaley replaced Robyn Wilkinson, Emily Ball came on for Jess Evans, and shortly after at 54 minutes, Robyn Wilkinson returned to the pitch in place of Ruby Lawton.
The final goal came at 59 minutes when Amelia Searle unleashed a powerful long-range strike with her left foot, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Woolston Rovers Thundercats. The team’s ability to respond quickly after going behind and their clinical finishing in the second half were key factors in their success.
The referee’s performance was impeccable throughout, maintaining control and allowing the game to flow smoothly. The Thundercats’ player of the match honours were shared among Ruby Lawton, Lyla Carr, and Meah Lee, each contributing significantly to the team’s dominant display. This result will boost Woolston Rovers’ confidence as they continue their league campaign.
