In a gripping league clash at Tullibody Civic Centre on 30 November 2024, Sauchie Juniors 2011 faced off against Thorniewood, ultimately succumbing to a narrow defeat with a final score of 3-4. The match, which kicked off at 10:00 am, was a showcase of attacking football, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess throughout the 70 minutes of play.
Sauchie Juniors lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Jamie Mitchell took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Kacper Serafin on the right, Lucas Stone and Rory Frame in central defence, and Wiktor Zylowski on the left. The midfield duo of Kaden Dunnachie and Findlay Russell was tasked with controlling the centre of the park, while the attacking trio of Kornel Baczynski, Kier Hutchinson, and Olly Moore supported lone striker Jacob McQuillan. The substitutes for the match included Jensen Obonyano and Evan Harrison.
The match began with an early attempt from Jacob McQuillan, who fired wide in the third minute, signalling Sauchie’s intent to attack. However, it was Rory Frame who made his mark shortly after, executing a crucial clearance in the eighth minute to maintain the pressure on Thorniewood. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Wiktor Zylowski scored from close range following a goalmouth scramble, putting Sauchie Juniors ahead. Just moments later, Kaden Dunnachie had a shot saved, as the home side continued to press.
Sauchie’s attacking momentum was evident, with Kacper Serafin making a key long pass in the 16th minute that created a chance, although Olly Moore's effort was saved shortly thereafter. The 18th minute saw Olly Moore find the net, converting a cross from Kornel Baczynski with his left foot, extending Sauchie’s lead to 2-0. Wiktor Zylowski continued to impress, delivering another long pass that created a chance in the 19th minute.
Defensively, Rory Frame was pivotal, making an interception in the 25th minute to prevent a potential chance for Thorniewood. Kier Hutchinson also contributed with a long pass that created another opportunity in the 27th minute, leading to Jacob McQuillan scoring from a corner, bringing the score to 3-0. However, the momentum shifted as Olly Moore missed a chance in the 28th minute, firing wide.
As the first half drew to a close, Lucas Stone made a clearance in the 30th minute, but the home side could not maintain their clean sheet. Thorniewood struck back in the 37th minute with a goal from outside the area, narrowing the gap to 3-1 just before half-time.
The second half commenced with a substitution for Sauchie Juniors, as Jensen Obonyano replaced Findlay Russell in the 41st minute. The match continued to be fiercely contested, with Olly Moore missing another opportunity in the 42nd minute. Thorniewood capitalised on their momentum, scoring again in the 51st minute, bringing the score to 3-2.
Lucas Stone was active defensively, making a tackle in the 53rd minute, but Thorniewood's pressure was relentless. They equalised in the 62nd minute and then took the lead in the 65th minute, leaving Sauchie Juniors trailing 3-4. Despite late attempts from Kier Hutchinson and Kacper Serafin, both of which were saved, Sauchie could not find the equaliser.
In a dramatic finish, Evan Harrison came on for Jamie Mitchell in the 58th minute due to injury, but the home side could not turn the tide. The match concluded with Thorniewood emerging victorious, leaving Sauchie Juniors to reflect on a match filled with promise but ultimately falling short in the face of a spirited comeback from their opponents.
