In an exhilarating cup encounter at West Glebe Park on 8th September 2024, Corby S & L Under 12 faced off against Corby Warriors U12 Phoenix, ultimately succumbing to a 4-2 defeat. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am, saw both teams showcase their talents, but it was the Warriors who emerged victorious, advancing in the competition.
Corby S & L adopted a 3-4-1 formation, which allowed for a solid defensive base while providing width and creativity in midfield. Filip Opacic was stationed in goal, with Vuk Janus as the central defender flanked by Dominick Valters on the right and Kaidyn Walker on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Emilis Januskevicius on the right, Sonny Coombs and Jack Douglas in central roles, and Aleks Golabek on the left, supporting Connor Chambers, who led the line as the striker. This setup was designed to maintain defensive stability while exploiting the flanks for attacking opportunities.
The substitutes for the match included Artjom Sullivan, Tom Withpetersen, Harry Elliott, and Liam Smith, who were poised to make an impact as the game progressed.
The match began with a swift start, as the Warriors took an early lead just three minutes in with a stunning long-range strike that flew past Opacic, leaving the Corby defence stunned. This early setback forced Corby S & L to regroup quickly and find their rhythm.
Corby responded positively, and in the 15th minute, Jack Douglas levelled the score with a well-timed header, connecting perfectly with a cross delivered by Emilis Januskevicius. The goal injected confidence into the Corby side, and they began to assert themselves more effectively in midfield.
However, the Warriors regained the advantage in the 29th minute, converting a penalty after a foul in the box. The decision was met with some protests from the Corby players, but the referee remained resolute, and the Warriors took a 2-1 lead into the half-time break.
The second half saw tactical changes from Corby, with Artjom Sullivan replacing Januskevicius in the first half, followed by Tom Withpetersen and Harry Elliott coming on for Valters and Golabek respectively. These substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the team as they sought to overturn the deficit.
Just after the break, in the 44th minute, Douglas struck again, this time converting a penalty awarded to Corby after a foul on one of their players. He confidently dispatched the spot-kick with his right foot, bringing the score to 2-2 and reigniting hopes of a comeback.
Unfortunately for Corby, the Warriors responded swiftly, netting their third goal in the 49th minute with another strike from outside the area, showcasing their attacking prowess. The pressure mounted on Corby as they searched for an equaliser, but the Warriors were relentless.
In the 57th minute, the Warriors sealed their victory with a second penalty, converting it with precision to make it 4-2. Despite Corby’s best efforts in the closing stages, they were unable to find a way back into the match.
The referee, U Referee, managed the game effectively, ensuring that the match flowed with minimal interruptions, although some decisions were met with mixed reactions from the players.
In the end, it was a spirited performance from Corby S & L, particularly from Jack Douglas, who was named Player of the Match for his contributions, including a goal and a constant threat in attack. However, it was the Warriors who progressed, leaving Corby to reflect on missed opportunities and areas for improvement as they look ahead to their next challenge.
