02/09/2026
The final pre-season friendly was nothing short of an enthralling contest between Featherstone Rovers U12s Phoenix and Whitkirk, and another huge step forward for a group still learning how to play together.
Featherstone welcomed Siya for his debut, alongside the return of Lewis N. Remarkably, this was only the second game this group have played together, yet the performance showed just how quickly the team is beginning to gel.
Unfortunately, during the warm-up, Isaac had to withdraw through injury, forcing the team to adapt before the game had even started.
The match began at a frantic pace and Featherstone quickly produced a superbly worked team goal. Grace won possession and found Ethan in midfield, who moved the ball quickly out wide to Oliver. Oliver timed his overlap perfectly, drove inside and somehow found the back of the net from an acute angle to give Phoenix the perfect start.
A new-look back line of Grace at left back, Cam at centre back and Lewis N at right back had to learn quickly, but they grew stronger as the game progressed. Grace was formidable once again, winning tackle after tackle and repeatedly breaking down Whitkirk attacks. Cam worked tirelessly in the centre, winning possession and calmly finding either Grace or Lewis to begin the next attacking transition.
Lewis N looked strong on his return, producing a number of important clearances and constantly looking to put the team back on the front foot. One excellent ball from deep inside his own half almost produced an assist as Callum raced through on goal. For a defensive unit playing together in unfamiliar roles, their adaptability and growing understanding was extremely encouraging.
Behind them, Freddie once again commanded his box superbly. The standout moment came when Whitkirk struck a shot destined for the top-right corner. In a moment almost identical to his outstanding save against Wortley, Freddie somehow produced an absolute world class stop, earning applause from his teammates and everyone watching from the touchline.
James spent much of the game operating in midfield and produced one of his most intelligent performances yet. His spatial awareness and constant scanning allowed him to control the tempo, continually offering an outlet for the defence before moving possession forward. His decision making and awareness were excellent throughout.
On his debut, Siya was outstanding. He linked extremely well with Ethan and the wide players, immediately looking comfortable within the team. Siya and Ethan developed an excellent partnership in central areas, using their physicality and composure to disrupt Whitkirk’s midfield and turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. Time and again, they regained possession and released the forwards, creating chance after chance.
Callum helped himself to another brace, with one goal in particular highlighting exactly what he brings to the team. Featherstone played through Whitkirk’s high press and suddenly Callum was racing shoulder to shoulder with a defender. He appeared to find another gear entirely, accelerated away and then showed outstanding composure to calmly place the ball into the bottom corner. This earned Callum the nickname the Gazelle.
And then there was Conan.
Over the final two pre-season games he has been a revelation. Previously developed predominantly as a left wing back, Conan has now been given the opportunity to operate further up the pitch, and his pace has become a devastating attacking weapon.
He was rewarded with a brilliant hat-trick, including the winning goal. Conan timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap, produced an excellent first touch despite three defenders chasing him down and then calmly picked his spot to complete his treble. It was a goal full of pace, awareness and composure. From a standing start, Conans the quickest player we have witnessed to date.
The final goal tally saw Conan score three, Callum two and Oliver one, but this performance was about far more than the goals.
Against an excellent Whitkirk side, Featherstone demonstrated hard work, adaptability, intelligence and, most importantly, togetherness. Players were asked to operate in unfamiliar positions, new players were integrated into the group and the team continued to support one another throughout.
There is a real sense that this group is beginning to galvanise.
The unity between the players is becoming one of their greatest strengths. They celebrate each other's successes, work for one another when possession is lost and continue to encourage each other throughout the game. That togetherness is already beginning to produce performances.
With pre season now complete, this was excellent preparation for the season ahead.
From ashes we rise. Together we rise.
Well done, Phoenix.
