SJB Juniors secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Tamworth Academy U14 Girls in a thrilling cup encounter held at the Anker Valley Sports Complex on 1st February 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, showcasing a spirited performance from the Juniors as they advanced in the competition.
The Juniors adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking plays. Summer Brown took her place in goal, with a back four comprising Niamh Thompson on the right, India Holt and Mia Lewis in central defence, and Ruby McCarthy on the left. The midfield was anchored by Pearl Thompson and Maz Hadi centrally, flanked by Eva Hart on the right and Auraya Thomas on the left. Freya Nicholson operated just behind striker Amalia McCloud-Soloman, who led the line.
The substitutes for the match included Daisy Cunningham and Tianna Berry-Gates, who were poised to make an impact from the bench as the game progressed.
The match began with an explosive start as Eva Hart opened the scoring for SJB Juniors just one minute in, capitalising on a well-timed assist from Auraya Thomas. The early goal set the tone for the Juniors, who looked to dominate the play from the outset.
In the 16th minute, SJB Juniors made their first substitutions, bringing on Daisy Cunningham for Pearl Thompson and Tianna Berry-Gates for Ruby McCarthy. This tactical shift aimed to inject fresh energy into the side while maintaining their attacking momentum.
Maz Hadi doubled the Juniors' lead in the 21st minute, finishing off a slick move with an assist from Freya Nicholson. Hadi's goal showcased the team's fluidity in attack, leaving the Tamworth defence scrambling.
As the first half drew to a close, SJB Juniors held a commanding 2-0 lead, demonstrating their control over the match. The whistle blew for half-time at the 35-minute mark, allowing both teams to regroup.
The second half saw SJB Juniors make further changes, with Ruby McCarthy returning to the pitch in place of India Holt and Pearl Thompson re-entering the fray for Auraya Thomas in the 53rd minute. These substitutions aimed to bolster the defence while maintaining attacking options.
However, Tamworth Academy found a glimmer of hope in the 59th minute when they scored, narrowing the gap to 2-1. This goal injected urgency into the match, as the Academy sought to capitalise on their momentum.
Maz Hadi, undeterred by the opposition's goal, restored the two-goal cushion for SJB Juniors in the 63rd minute, heading home from a precise cross delivered by Eva Hart. Hadi's second goal of the match highlighted her aerial prowess and ability to find space in the box.
In the 65th minute, SJB Juniors made another substitution, with Auraya Thomas coming back on for Freya Nicholson, aiming to reinforce their attacking options as the match approached its conclusion.
As the game neared its end, India Holt re-entered the pitch in the 68th minute, replacing Maz Hadi, who had put in a stellar performance and was duly recognised as the Player of the Match.
SJB Juniors held firm in the closing stages, ensuring their 3-1 lead remained intact as the final whistle blew. The victory not only showcased their attacking prowess but also their resilience in defence, setting them up for a promising run in the cup competition.
