Boys U12's Thunder - Exhall
Stockton Thunder Match Report
Fixture: Stockton Thunder U12s vs Exhall
Formation: 3-4-1
Venue: Home
Full Match Report
Stockton set up in their familiar 3-4-1 shape, with Frederick in goal behind a back three of Jack, Yaz and William. The midfield four of Ethan, Zack G, Mason and Austin provided both energy and width, while Oliver led the line. Zac began the match on the bench.
From the first whistle Stockton were fully switched on, asserting themselves immediately. Their structure was excellent, moving the ball wide in possession and closing space quickly when they didn’t have it. The early pressure almost paid off when, on 5 minutes, Ethan drove powerfully through the middle and fired narrowly wide — an early warning of what was to come.
After an evenly matched opening 10 minutes, Exhall began to carve out a few opportunities of their own. William had to be alert to clear a loose ball off the line, showing great awareness and composure under pressure.
The game continued to be finely balanced, but in the 28th minute Exhall made a mildly devious short-corner routine count, working the ball cleverly before finishing from a tight angle. Stockton regrouped quickly and went into half-time knowing they were very much still in the game.
Half-Time: Stockton 0–1 Exhall
Just two minutes into the second half, Exhall were gifted a fortunate bounce that put their striker clean through. With calmness, he rolled the ball past the onrushing Frederick to double the visitors’ lead.
Stockton, however, were undeterred. They continued to work relentlessly, pressing high, winning midfield battles and pushing Exhall deeper and deeper. Their spirit was rewarded in the 16th minute when a drop ball situation fell kindly at the feet of Ethan, who struck it cleanly into the net to bring Stockton back into the contest.
Barely a minute later, another flowing move ended with Mason being fouled on the edge of the box. Ethan stepped up and unleashed a superb free-kick into the top corner — his second of the game — drawing Stockton level with a moment of real quality.
The final stages were tense and frantic, with both sides pushing for a winner. Stockton were having to dig deep, defending bravely as the expected full-time whistle approached. Every player put their body on the line to preserve a well-earned point.
But with an extraordinary 11 minutes added on, Exhall found a heartbreaking winner almost with the final kick. The boys had nothing left to give, and the final whistle brought understandable frustration.
Despite the result, this was Stockton’s best performance of the season — full of courage, structure, teamwork and the application of everything worked on in training. The boys can be incredibly proud of their display.
A special mention goes to Zack G, who made his debut and slotted into the team seamlessly, showing composure and understanding well beyond a first appearance.
Awards
Coach’s Player of the Match (CPOTM): Jack
Arguably his strongest game of the season. He didn’t put a foot wrong, defended superbly, and linked brilliantly with his left midfielder throughout.
Parents’ Player of the Match (PPOTM): Ethan
Two excellent strikes and an all-round performance full of intelligence, energy and improved game understanding.
