Scarlet United Denied By Red Team In Nine-A-Side Cup Clash

Scarlet United hosted Red Team at Flamingo Land Stadium, Scarborough, on 4 January 2026, with kick-off at 7:15pm in a highly anticipated nine-a-side cup match. Despite a valiant effort, Scarlet United fell to a 3-0 defeat against their visitors in front of a staggering crowd of 135,700. The match was marked by early drama and relentless pressure from Red Team, ultimately proving too much for the home side.

Scarlet United lined up in a 3-2-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Jason Cross took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, tasked with organising the backline and commanding his area. The defensive trio consisted of Robin Batman at right defender, Jackson Angry centrally, and Mickelo Stevens on the left, expected to provide both defensive cover and support in wide areas. In midfield, Jason Hornet and Long Arse occupied the central roles, charged with controlling the tempo and linking defence to attack. The forward line featured Alex Albon on the right, Darwin Legacy as the central striker, and Coady Pont on the left, all poised to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities. On the bench, Jeff Lod and Jackelo Steptedy awaited their chance to influence the game.

The match exploded into life almost immediately when Scarlet United’s central defender Jackson Angry received a red card in the second minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.Which resulted in a spot-kick for Red Team. However, Jason Cross produced a stunning penalty save to keep his side in the contest despite being reduced to eight men so early. This moment set the tone for a challenging evening ahead.

With a numerical disadvantage, Scarlet United struggled to find rhythm but remained competitive. Long Arse had a notable attempt in the 19th minute, though his effort sailed high over the bar. Red Team capitalised on their advantage shortly after, with a spectacular long-range strike from outside the box in the 22nd minute, expertly struck with the right foot, which found the net and put the visitors ahead.

Scarlet United’s goalkeeper Jason Cross was kept busy throughout the first half, making a full-stretch save in the 37th minute to deny another Red Team effort. The visitors’ persistent pressure was reflected in a yellow card for one of their players in the 42nd minute due to repeated infringements. Despite Scarlet United’s resilience, the half ended with Red Team leading 1-0.

At half-time, the home side faced an uphill battle. Early in the second period, Scarlet United made a double tactical substitution in the 51st minute, bringing on Jeff Lod and Jackelo Steptedy for Alex Albon and Mickelo Stevens respectively, aiming to inject fresh energy and tactical variation.

Jason Cross continued to demonstrate his quality with a fingertip save to tip a dangerous shot over the bar in the 63rd minute, keeping Scarlet United in the game. However, Red Team extended their lead in the 70th minute with a composed finish inside the box, struck with the left foot, doubling their advantage.

Scarlet United pushed forward in search of a breakthrough, with Robin Batman attempting a shot in the 84th minute that went wide of the target. Yet, the visitors sealed the victory late on with a diving header in the 89th minute, emphatically putting the game beyond doubt.

In stoppage time, Jason Cross once again proved vital, clearing a dangerous chance to prevent further damage. Despite the overwhelming odds and numerical disadvantage, Scarlet United’s goalkeeper and right defender Robin Batman stood out with their committed performances and were rightly named players of the match.

Ultimately, Red Team’s clinical finishing and early dominance proved decisive as Scarlet United were left to rue the early red card and missed opportunities in front of their home fans at Flamingo Land Stadium.