In a gripping encounter at Mackadown Sports Ground on 18 January 2025, SJB Juniors faced off against Kewford Eagles U14 Girls in a league match that ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, showcasing the talents of both teams in a thrilling display of youth football.
SJB Juniors lined up in a 3-5-1-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Grace McCombie took her place in goal, shielded by a trio of defenders: Tianna Berry-Gates on the right, Mia Lewis in the centre, and Ruby McCarthy on the left. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring India Holt on the right, Maz Hadi and Pearl Thompson centrally, and Summer Brown on the left. Eva Hart operated just behind the lone striker, Auraya Thomas, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for SJB Juniors included Freya Nicholson and Niamh Thompson, both of whom would play pivotal roles as the match unfolded.
The first half saw an early substitution for SJB Juniors as Freya Nicholson replaced Auraya Thomas in the 23rd minute, followed closely by Niamh Thompson coming on for Ruby McCarthy. Just a minute later, Kewford Eagles struck first, taking the lead in the 24th minute. This setback prompted SJB Juniors to respond quickly, and in the 25th minute, Auraya Thomas was substituted back into the game for Summer Brown due to an injury.
As the first half drew to a close, SJB Juniors regrouped and made tactical adjustments. The half-time whistle blew at the 35-minute mark, with Kewford Eagles holding a slender lead.
The second half began with renewed vigour from SJB Juniors, and just moments after the restart, they made a substitution, bringing on Summer Brown for Pearl Thompson in the 36th minute. This change was immediately impactful, as Kewford Eagles doubled their advantage with another goal in the 36th minute, leaving SJB Juniors in a challenging position.
However, the tide began to turn in the 44th minute when Eva Hart, assisted by Freya Nicholson, found the back of the net, igniting hope for SJB Juniors. Just moments later, in the 50th minute, Niamh Thompson scored again for SJB Juniors, with Eva Hart providing the assist, bringing the score to 2-2 and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
As the match progressed, SJB Juniors made another substitution in the 62nd minute, with India Holt replacing Ruby McCarthy. The game continued to ebb and flow, and Kewford Eagles regained the lead in the 63rd minute, making it 3-2.
With time running out, SJB Juniors refused to back down. In a dramatic climax, Maz Hadi scored in the 71st minute, assisted by Kyra Irving, ensuring that the match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Mia Lewis was recognised for her outstanding performance throughout the match, earning the accolade of Player of the Match. The encounter was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next clash.
