In an exhilarating cup match held at West End Public Park on 5th October 2024, Sauchie Juniors 2011 emerged victorious against Blantyre Victoria Blues, clinching a 4-2 win. The match, which kicked off at 9:30 am, showcased a thrilling display of football, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
Sauchie Juniors adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Dylan Dalrymple took his position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Kacper Serafin on the right, Oliver Wilson and Rory Frame as central defenders, and Wiktor Zylowski on the left. In midfield, Findlay Russell and Kier Hutchinson operated as central midfielders, tasked with controlling the tempo and linking play between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Kornel Baczynski on the right, Olly Moore on the left, and Jacob McQuillan in the central attacking role, supporting striker Cooper Banks, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for Sauchie Juniors included Jamie Mitchell, Jensen Obonyano, Lucas Stone, and Kaden Dunnachie, providing depth and tactical options for the manager throughout the match.
The match began with an early setback for Sauchie Juniors as Blantyre Victoria Blues took the lead in the 4th minute, scoring the first goal of the game. However, the home side responded quickly, with Olly Moore finding the back of the net just four minutes later, levelling the score at 1-1 in the 8th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box.
Sauchie Juniors continued to press, but Cooper Banks was flagged offside in the 20th minute due to a mistimed run. Oliver Wilson showcased his defensive skills shortly after, making a crucial interception in the 21st minute to prevent a potential chance for the opponents. However, the match took a turn when Jacob McQuillan received a yellow card in the 29th minute for a foul which would cause tension within the team.
As the first half progressed, Wilson was again pivotal in defence, clearing the ball effectively in the 32nd minute. The half concluded with Sauchie Juniors and Blantyre Victoria Blues tied at 1-1 after a competitive first 35 minutes.
The second half began with immediate substitutions for Sauchie Juniors, as Jensen Obonyano replaced Jacob McQuillan and Jamie Mitchell came on for goalkeeper Dylan Dalrymple in the 37th minute. Just moments later, Blantyre Victoria Blues scored again, regaining the lead at 2-1.
Despite the setback, Olly Moore continued to threaten, but his attempts in the 37th minute went wide. The match saw Lucas Stone enter the fray, scoring a crucial goal in the 41st minute to bring the score to 2-2. This was followed by a strong performance from Dalrymple, who made a full-stretch save in the 37th minute, showcasing his goalkeeping skills.
As the second half unfolded, Sauchie Juniors took control of the match. Oliver Wilson scored in the 55th minute, converting from close range following a corner delivered by Jensen Obonyano, putting the home side ahead 3-2. Lucas Stone then struck again in the 62nd minute with a long-range effort, extending the lead to 4-2.
Sauchie Juniors maintained their momentum, with Jensen Obonyano and Kornel Baczynski both having attempts saved in the following minutes. The defensive unit, particularly Wiktor Zylowski, remained resolute, preventing any further chances for Blantyre Victoria Blues.
As the match drew to a close, Findlay Russell had a late attempt saved in the 72nd minute, but Sauchie Juniors held firm to secure their place in the next round of the cup. The standout performances from Lucas Stone and Oliver Wilson earned them recognition as players of the match, highlighting their contributions to this thrilling encounter.
