Boys U12's Thunder - Grove Farm Pavilion
# **Stockton Thunders U12 Match Report**
**Fixture:** Stockton v Grove Farm Pavilion
**Venue:** Southam College (3G)
**Result:** **2–1 Win**
**HT:** 2–1
Stockton travelled to Southam for their first ever use of the new artificial surface, meaning pitch setup took a little longer than usual. Once everything was ready, the Thunders lined up with Frederick in goal; a composed back three of Yaz, William and Reuben; Mason wide left, Ethan W wide right; Zachary and Cai controlling the middle; and Oliver leading the line with his usual energy.
From the first whistle, the match had a tight, competitive feel. Both sides battled for every loose ball and had spells of control, but Stockton immediately looked comfortable on the smooth surface. Quick passing combinations, especially through midfield and into the channels, helped them settle into a strong rhythm.
**9’ – Penalty to Stockton.**
Ethan W burst into the box with one of his trademark direct runs and was brought down. Showing both confidence and maturity, he stepped up himself and dispatched the penalty firmly into the corner to give Stockton a deserved lead. Grove Farm responded well, forcing Frederick into a sharp near-post save to preserve the advantage. Both wingers looked lively—Ethan a constant threat with his pace and Mason repeatedly driving forward to launch attacks down the left.
An early rotation saw Zack replace Yaz at the back, and Stockton continued to engineer chances. Cai delivered a pair of dangerous corners that caused panic in the Grove Farm box, and the pressure felt as though a second goal was coming.
**18’ – Grove Farm equalise.**
Against the run of play, Grove Farm found space on the edge of the area and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
Stockton reacted brilliantly, reshuffling with Yaz returning for Reuben and Ethan R joining the midfield. The team kept their composure, moved the ball quickly, and stayed true to their principles. Their patience paid off on **25 minutes**, when Oliver’s relentless pressing created a turnover. Mason cleverly slipped the ball to Ethan W, who tucked a low finish under the goalkeeper for his second of the match. Just before the break, Ethan R nearly added a spectacular third, forcing a fingertip save.
Three milestones were ticked off by half-time: taking the lead, retaking the lead, and leading at the break for the first time this season.
**HT: Stockton 2–1 Grove Farm**
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The message at half-time was clear: a strong back line would see the game home. Zachary replaced Cai in central midfield after an excellent opening spell, and the second half became a true test of concentration and courage. Both keepers were called into action, with Frederick displaying bravery and brilliant shot-stopping to protect the narrow lead.
Cai later returned at centre-back for William, and Reuben came on to give Oliver a rest up front. Stockton’s defensive resolve grew as the half wore on, with Zack G delivering an immense performance on the left—timing tackles cleanly, clearing danger when needed, and showing real composure in possession. Reuben then shifted to the right wing and provided an outlet on the counter, keeping Grove Farm honest.
A golden chance for a third arrived late on when Oliver cleverly set Mason free. Mason shaped beautifully to curl the ball into the far corner, only for the goalkeeper to make an excellent save. As the minutes ticked down, nerves crept in on and off the pitch, but Yaz remained ice-cool at right-back and Zachary put in several crucial tackles to break up Grove Farm momentum.
Finally the whistle blew—**a fully-earned and hard-fought victory.** A result built on weeks of graft, improved organisation, and a growing sense of belief across the whole squad.
A brilliant win. Well done, everyone.
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## **Player Awards**
**Coach’s Player of the Match – Zack G**
An outstanding defensive display. Strong in the tackle, intelligent with his decisions, cleared danger when needed, and used the ball well when the opportunity was there. Off the pitch he was just as impressive—supportive, focused, and encouraging throughout.
**Parents’ Player of the Match – Cai**
A superb “second debut.” Calm and tidy in midfield, helping Stockton keep the ball and build attacks. Later filled in at centre-back to support the team despite it not being his preferred role. A hugely valuable all-round performance.
