The first home game of the 2025/26 season came in the Avon Youth League Cup on a squally Thursday evening at The Lawns. With four new signings making their home debut in a new look defence, they were surely going to be put to the test as Division 1 outfit Rockleaze Reds visited.

Both teams lost their opening league fixtures in their respective divisions so were looking to bounce back, and it was Shire that were quickest out of the blocks. Owen, playing in a more advanced position on the wing this season, latched onto the perfect through ball on 4 minutes and finished calmly when one-on-one with the visiting keeper.

With heavy rain and wind making conditions difficult for the boys, Shire continued to show that quick, short passing was key to advancing up the flanks. And the second goal came again from the left after 14 minutes. Owen’s cross-cum-shot could only be parried on the line, falling kindly for Harry to score from point blank range. Attacking from the wings, Shire looked dangerous; defending at the back, they looked solid. The two goal cushion at the break was well deserved.

The reds had the wind and rain behind them in the second half but as legs began to tire, play became a little scrappy and Rockleaze were able to create more chances. The back four was resolute however and Shire were a threat on the break. Midway through the second half, with play fairly even, Harry picked up the ball with back to goal and was given the room to turn on the edge of the area. Creating himself a bit of space, he unleashed a wicked drive which seemed to fool the goalie and sail past him into the top of the net. 3-0 to the lower division team and the result looked secure.

Changes were made by both teams to freshen up and keep the substitutes warm, and Jima’s return to play resulted in Shire’s fourth. As a corner was swung in he met it at the near post for his first for the club. Off his backside, yes, but they all count!

Freddie at the opposite end, making his Shire debut in goal, had had little to do for much of the match, but had looked calm and collected when called upon. He was dreaming of a debut clean-sheet as the final minutes ticked away. Alas, it wasn’t quite to be as with three minutes left on the clock Rockleaze grabbed a consolation through their talented forward. That didn’t put a downer on the result though as the match was brought to a close.

So, the delighted division 2 team march through to the next round where they face div 1 opposition again at St Nick’s. Buoyed by this result, we hope the boys can take that into the league on Sunday and pick up three valuable points.