Olive FC Outclass Orange United In 9-A-Side Cup Clash At Home

Orange United hosted Olive FC at their home ground on 2 January 2026, with kick-off at 7:45pm in a 9-a-side cup match. Despite a spirited effort, Orange United fell to a 3-1 defeat against their visitors in front of 14,620 fans. The match was played over 90 minutes plus added time, with the referee delivering a flawless performance throughout.

Orange United lined up in a 3-3-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back, three midfielders across the middle, and two forwards leading the attack. Luca James took his place in goal, protected by a defensive trio of Cadden Small on the right, Taylor Twist centrally, and Jack Old on the left. The midfield was anchored by Milo Berkeley in the centre, flanked by Si Hang on the right and Arthur Joshua on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Up front, IAM STEVE operated as the right forward, with Jacob Lont on the left, expected to combine pace and creativity to unlock Olive FC’s defence. On the bench, Luca Some and Todd Leg were named as substitutes.

The visitors struck first in the 19th minute when Olive FC’s attacker powered a diving header past Luca James, giving them an early lead. Orange United responded with determination, and their efforts paid off in the 35th minute. Jacob Lont delivered a precise short pass to IAM STEVE, who unleashed a fluke strike from outside the box with his left foot, levelling the score and igniting the home crowd.

The first half concluded with the teams locked at 1-1, setting up an intriguing second period. Early in the second half, Orange United made a tactical change as Luca Some replaced Si Hang on the right wing at the 48th minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield.

However, Olive FC regained the advantage in the 61st minute with a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, expertly struck with the left foot. The goal demonstrated the visitors’ ability to capitalise on space and test the goalkeeper from distance.

As the match progressed, Orange United sought to regain control, making a further substitution in the 83rd minute when Todd Leg came on for central midfielder Milo Berkeley. Despite this change, Olive FC sealed their victory late on with another long-range left-footed strike in the 88th minute, extending their lead to 3-1.

The final whistle confirmed Olive FC’s triumph, leaving Orange United to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses. IAM STEVE and Jacob Lont were standout performers for the home side, both contributing significantly to the lone goal and showing glimpses of attacking promise.

In a tightly contested 9-a-side cup encounter, Olive FC’s clinical finishing and long-range prowess proved decisive, while Orange United will look to regroup and build on the positives from this spirited display.