In a closely contested league match held at the Stewarts & Lloyds Sports Club on 10 November 2024, Corby S & L Under 12 emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over their local rivals, Corby Warriors U12 Phoenix. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and saw a spirited performance from both sides, but it was the home team that ultimately secured the three points.
Corby S & L lined up in a 4-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in midfield. Filip Opacic took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Rudy Gray on the right, Preston Allotey and Kaidyn Walker in central defence, and Riley McCrossan on the left. In midfield, Sonny Coombs occupied the right flank, Liam Smith played centrally, and Jack Douglas was positioned on the left. Connor Chambers led the line as the striker, tasked with converting chances into goals. The substitutes for the match included Emilis Januskevicius, Buddy Urquhart, Dominick Valters, Artjom Sullivan, and Harry Elliott.
The first half was a tactical battle, with both teams probing for weaknesses but failing to break the deadlock. The Corby S & L defence, marshalled by Allotey and Walker, held firm against the Warriors' attacks, while Opacic remained alert in goal, ensuring that no clear opportunities were presented to the opposition. The half concluded with the score still at 0-0, leading to a tactical reshuffle at the break.
As the second half commenced, Corby S & L made a series of substitutions to inject fresh energy into the team. Emilis Januskevicius replaced Jack Douglas shortly after the restart, followed by Buddy Urquhart coming on for Liam Smith, Dominick Valters taking over from Rudy Gray, and Artjom Sullivan stepping in for Connor Chambers. These changes aimed to bolster the midfield and provide more attacking options.
The breakthrough came in the 45th minute when Buddy Urquhart found the back of the net. After a well-executed corner taken by Kaidyn Walker, Urquhart was perfectly positioned inside the box to convert from close range with his left foot, sending the home crowd into raptures. This goal proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
Corby S & L continued to defend their lead, and in the 51st minute, Jack Douglas returned to the pitch, replacing Riley McCrossan, as the team sought to maintain their advantage. As the clock ticked down, Sonny Coombs re-entered the fray, coming on for Januskevicius in the 58th minute, further solidifying the midfield as they aimed to see out the game.
In a dramatic finale, Filip Opacic showcased his goalkeeping prowess by saving a penalty in the 60th minute, ensuring that Corby S & L held onto their slender lead. His performance between the sticks was crucial, and the save not only preserved the clean sheet but also lifted the spirits of his teammates.
The match concluded with Corby S & L Under 12 claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Corby Warriors U12 Phoenix. The win was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, with Kaidyn Walker earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his commanding display in defence and his pivotal role in the assist for the winning goal.
