Corinthian Casuals U12 Cruise To 9–0 Cup Victory

Corinthian Casuals U12 delivered a commanding performance on Sunday afternoon, securing a resounding 9–0 win away to Woking Cougars U12 Youth in a cup fixture held at Brookwood Country Park, home of Knaphill FC. The visitors were in complete control from the opening whistle to the final minute, blending disciplined defending with sharp, creative attacking play throughout the 60 minutes.

Lining up in a 3-4-1 formation, the Casuals fielded Lourenço Afonseca, Freddy Horwood, and Alfie Vine across the back, providing defensive solidity and composure. In midfield, Leo Bradley, Fraser Ross, Harvey O’Connor, and Cooper Lund dictated the tempo and fed the lone striker Carter Matthews, supported by the team’s wide runners. Thomas Albuquerque and Archer Edwards began on the bench, ready to make an impact.

The tone was set early as Harvey O’Connor opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a precise finish after a clever short pass from Alfie Vine. Just a minute later, Cooper Lund doubled the lead, finishing calmly after linking up with Carter Matthews inside the box.

At the 16th minute, Matthews turned scorer, steering home a Fraser Ross cross for 3–0, before Lund grabbed his second of the match at the 20-minute mark, capitalising on a defensive error to extend the lead.

Shortly after, Thomas Albuquerque replaced Lund and Archer Edwards came on for Leo Bradley, and the changes paid off immediately. In the 26th minute, Edwards made it 5–0, finishing confidently from an Albuquerque assist. Moments later, Ross forced an own goal with a dangerous cross, sending Casuals into half-time 6–0 ahead and cruising.

The second half brought more rotation but no let-up in intensity. Bradley and Lund returned early on to keep the team fresh, and at the 39th minute, Matthews scored his second of the game — a well-taken finish following a pinpoint long pass from Lund. Albuquerque added another five minutes later, tucking away from close range to make it 8–0.

In one of the day’s most memorable moments, goalkeeper Albie Safarty swapped gloves for boots late on and found the net himself in the 58th minute, converting Leo Bradley’s cross to complete the 9–0 scoreline and seal an emphatic victory.

Lourenço Afonseca was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance at right defender. Calm and composed under pressure, his role was instrumental in implementing the new manager’s tactical focus on playing out from the back — starting attacks with intelligent distribution and linking smoothly with midfield. His awareness and confidence helped the team transition seamlessly from defence to attack, setting the rhythm for the side’s passing game.

The referee controlled proceedings well, ensuring good flow throughout the one-sided contest. The 25 spectators present were treated to a confident, clinical display that showcased the best of Corinthian Casuals’ teamwork, tactical discipline, and attacking depth. A memorable win that sets the tone perfectly for the next round of the cup.