In a thrilling league encounter at Birmingham County FA on 19 October 2024, SJB Juniors showcased their attacking prowess, defeating F C Premier U14 Lionesses Girls with a commanding scoreline of 5-2. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the Juniors' performance was a testament to their tactical discipline and individual brilliance.
SJB Juniors lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Grace took her position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Summer Brown on the right, Daisy and Tianna as central defenders, and India on the left. Pearl operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking midfield trio featured Eva Hart on the right, Ellie in the central role, and Kyra on the left, with Niamh leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Auraya and Ruby.
The opening goal came in the 23rd minute when Niamh found the back of the net, assisted by Maz, who delivered a precise pass that split the defence. This early breakthrough set the tone for SJB Juniors, who looked to dominate possession and create further chances.
In the 29th minute, SJB Juniors made two substitutions, bringing on Auraya for Kyra and Ruby for India, as they sought to maintain their momentum while managing player fatigue.
Just five minutes later, in the 34th minute, Eva Hart doubled the lead, scoring with a well-placed shot after receiving an assist from Kyra, who had returned to the pitch following her earlier substitution. This goal further solidified SJB's control over the match as they headed into half-time with a 2-0 advantage.
The second half began with a substitution for SJB Juniors, as Kyra replaced Maz, who had been instrumental in the first half. The tactical switch paid off immediately, as Eva Hart scored her second goal just two minutes after the restart, showcasing her sharpness and ability to find space in the box.
However, F C Premier U14 Lionesses responded quickly, pulling one back in the 48th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. Despite this setback, SJB Juniors remained composed and continued to press forward.
Maz then reasserted SJB's dominance in the 59th minute, scoring a goal with an assist from Niamh, who had been a constant threat throughout the match. Just two minutes later, Maz struck again, this time with an assist from Kyra, bringing the score to 5-1 and seemingly putting the game beyond reach for the Lionesses.
As the match approached its conclusion, F C Premier managed to score a second goal in the 72nd minute, but it was too little, too late. SJB Juniors had already established a commanding lead, and the final whistle confirmed their impressive 5-2 victory.
Maz's outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade, reflecting her crucial contributions in both scoring and assisting. The victory not only boosts SJB Juniors' confidence but also highlights their potential as a formidable force in the league this season.
