The Corby S & L Under 12 team faced off against AFC R and D U12 Cobras in a thrilling cup match at the Stewarts & Lloyds Sports Club on 26 January 2025. The match, which kicked off at 9:45 am, ended in a 1-1 draw after normal time, leading to a tense penalty shootout that saw Corby emerge victorious with a score of 5-4.
Corby lined up in a 2-3-2-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking play. Filip Opacic took his place in goal, shielded by central defenders Vuk Janus and Kaidyn Walker. The midfield trio consisted of Rudy Gray on the right, Sonny Coombs centrally, and Riley McCrossan on the left, with Buddy Urquhart and Jack Douglas operating as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Artjom Sullivan led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Corby included Emilis Januskevicius, Tom Withpetersen, Connor Chambers, Dominick Valters, Liam Smith, and Harry Elliott, who would be called upon as the match progressed.
The first half saw Corby take the initiative, and their efforts paid off in the 26th minute when Artjom Sullivan scored with a powerful header from close range, assisted by a well-placed corner from Riley McCrossan. This goal sent the home crowd into raptures, as Corby took a 1-0 lead.
As the match approached half-time, the referee signalled the break at the 30-minute mark, with Corby holding a slender advantage. However, the second half brought a series of challenges for the home side, beginning with a flurry of substitutions due to injuries and tactical adjustments.
Just after the restart, in the 31st minute, Emilis Januskevicius replaced Jack Douglas, who had to leave the pitch due to injury. Shortly after, in the 34th minute, Tom Withpetersen came on for Rudy Gray, who also succumbed to an injury.
The tactical reshuffle continued as Connor Chambers entered the fray in the 41st minute, taking the place of Sullivan, who had been instrumental in the first half. In the 44th minute, Dominick Valters replaced Riley McCrossan, while Liam Smith came on for Buddy Urquhart, further altering the dynamics of the game.
As the match wore on, Corby faced increasing pressure from the Cobras, who were determined to find an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when the Cobras scored a header from close range, bringing the score to 1-1 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With time running out, Corby made further substitutions in the 59th minute, bringing back Riley McCrossan for Connor Chambers, and Jack Douglas returned to replace Dominick Valters. Buddy Urquhart also re-entered the match, taking the place of Tom Withpetersen, who had been forced off due to injury. Finally, Artjom Sullivan returned to the pitch, replacing Sonny Coombs as the match approached its conclusion.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout to determine who would progress in the cup. Corby S & L Under 12 held their nerve, converting five penalties to the Cobras' four, securing their place in the next round of the competition. Sonny Coombs was recognised for his outstanding performance throughout the match, earning the accolade of Player of the Match.
