SJB Juniors Suffer Defeat At Home To Albion Foundation

SJB Juniors faced a challenging encounter against Albion Foundation at Mackadown Sports Ground on 16 November 2024, with the match kicking off at 10:30 am. Despite a spirited effort, SJB Juniors succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, leaving them with much to ponder as they look to improve in future fixtures.

The home side adopted a 4-5-1 formation, which saw Grace Newman stationed in goal, while a back four comprised of India Holt on the right, Tianna Berry-Gates and Zelaya Lewis-Edwards in central defence, and Summer Brown on the left aimed to provide a solid foundation. In midfield, Eva Hart and Auraya Thomas operated on the right and left flanks respectively, with Ellie Upton, Daisy Cunningham, and Maz Hadi forming a central trio tasked with controlling the game and supporting the lone striker, Freya Nicholson.

The substitutes for SJB Juniors included Niamh Thompson, Ruby McCarthy, Pearl Thompson, and Poppy Leigh-Storer, who would be called upon as the match progressed.

The first half saw SJB Juniors struggle to find their rhythm, and their woes were compounded when Albion Foundation took the lead in the 34th minute. The visitors capitalised on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball past Newman to make it 1-0. Just before the half-time whistle, Albion Foundation doubled their advantage in the 44th minute, leaving SJB Juniors with a mountain to climb as they headed into the break trailing 2-0.

Following the interval, SJB Juniors made several tactical changes to regain control of the match. In the 36th minute, Pearl Thompson and Poppy Leigh-Storer were introduced, replacing Daisy Cunningham and Tianna Berry-Gates respectively. However, Albion Foundation continued to dominate, scoring their third goal in the 57th minute, further extending their lead and putting SJB Juniors in a precarious position.

Despite the uphill battle, SJB Juniors showed resilience and determination. In the 66th minute, Daisy Cunningham found the net from the penalty spot, giving the home side a glimmer of hope as they reduced the deficit to 3-1. This goal injected some life into the team, but time was not on their side.

As the match drew to a close, SJB Juniors fought valiantly to find a second goal, but Albion Foundation's defence held firm, ensuring that the visitors left Mackadown Sports Ground with all three points. The defeat serves as a stark reminder for SJB Juniors of the need to tighten their defensive organisation and enhance their attacking prowess in the coming weeks.