In a gripping cup clash at the Pine Resource Center on 1st December 2024, Pro Shottas U13 edged past National Sports Council with a narrow 3-2 victory. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am, showcased a blend of skill, determination, and tactical nous from both sides, culminating in a thrilling contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Pro Shottas U13 lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Christopher Palmer occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Nikkeil Freeman on the right, Zayne Galt and Ben Hutton as central defenders, and Elijah Jacob on the left. In front of them, Samuel Campion played a pivotal role as the holding midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively. The attacking midfield trio featured C'jae Nichols on the right, Kaleb Catwell in the centre, and Aiden Knight on the left, all expected to support the forwards and create goal-scoring opportunities. Up front, Kevio Bellamy and Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez formed a dynamic partnership, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opponents.
The substitutes for Pro Shottas U13 included Raiden Lee, Rajay Thomas, and Junilio Richmond, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The opening exchanges were lively, and it was Pro Shottas U13 who struck first. In the 8th minute, Kevio Bellamy found the back of the net with a well-placed shot inside the box, assisted by Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez through a short pass. This early goal set the tone for the match, igniting the Pro Shottas' confidence.
However, National Sports Council responded swiftly, equalising in the 16th minute. The goal came as a shock to Pro Shottas, who had started brightly, but it only served to heighten the intensity of the contest.
Pro Shottas regained their lead in the 20th minute when Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez scored following a well-executed team move, with C'jae Nichols providing the assist via another short pass. This goal showcased the attacking prowess of Pro Shottas, as they combined effectively to carve open the National Sports Council defence.
As the match progressed, tensions began to rise, and in the 26th minute, Kaleb Catwell received a yellow card for dissent, a moment that highlighted the growing frustration within the Pro Shottas ranks. The first half concluded with Pro Shottas leading 2-1, but the match was far from over.
The second half commenced with National Sports Council applying pressure, and they found their equaliser in the 35th minute, bringing the score to 2-2. The game was finely poised, and both teams were eager to seize the initiative.
In the 39th minute, Pro Shottas made their first substitution, bringing on Raiden Lee for Emanuel Espinosa Alvarez, a tactical change aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. Shortly after, Samuel Campion was shown a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 48th minute, further intensifying the match's competitive nature.
Pro Shottas made another tactical switch in the same minute, with Rajay Thomas replacing Aiden Knight, as they sought to regain control of the midfield battle.
The breakthrough for Pro Shottas came in the 56th minute when Kevio Bellamy scored his second goal of the match, finishing off a team move with a right-footed shot, assisted by Ben Hutton's long pass. This goal not only restored their lead but also showcased the attacking fluidity that Pro Shottas had displayed throughout the match.
As the clock ticked down, Pro Shottas made their final substitution in the 58th minute, with Junilio Richmond coming on for Elijah Jacob, a move aimed at solidifying their defensive line as they sought to protect their slender lead.
The match concluded with Pro Shottas U13 emerging victorious, securing a hard-fought 3-2 win against National Sports Council. The performance of Kevio Bellamy, who scored twice, and Samuel Campion, who played a crucial role in midfield, earned them the accolades as players of the match. This victory advances Pro Shottas to the finals in the cup and also serves as a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline in a thrilling encounter.
