Sunday Ravens Fall To Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers At Newbridge High

Sunday Ravens hosted Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers at Newbridge High School #2 on 23 November 2025, with kick-off at 9:00am in a 7-a-side league fixture. The match lasted 50 minutes plus injury time and ended in a 3-1 defeat for the home side.

Sunday Ravens lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the left, central and right channels, and a lone striker leading the attack. Jedd Garrett took his place in goal, with Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz anchoring the defence centrally. The midfield trio consisted of Finley Brothwell on the left, Arkyn Brown in the centre, and Hugo Evans on the right, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting attacks. Up front, Rueben Allured-Rowley was the focal point of the offence. The substitute available was Alex Smigiel.

From the outset, the match was intense. Early on, goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was called into action at two minutes, demonstrating alertness to keep the scoreline level. His defenders were equally busy; Jake Whiteman blocked an attempt at three minutes and followed that with a crucial tackle at five minutes, showing his defensive resilience.

The midfielders sought to influence the game quickly. Hugo Evans tested the opposition goal at four minutes, followed by Arkyn Brown’s attempt a minute later. However, the defensive work of Jake Whiteman and Nicholas Czwartosz was vital in repelling early pressure, with blocks and clearances in quick succession between five and eight minutes. Finley Brothwell also contributed defensively with a block at six minutes.

Hugo Evans remained a constant threat, firing an attempt at nine minutes, and goalkeeper Garrett was again alert at ten minutes to keep the visitors at bay. At twelve minutes, a substitution saw Alex Smigiel replace Finley Brothwell, shortly before Sunday Ravens opened the scoring. Rueben Allured-Rowley found the net, assisted by Arkyn Brown, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

The game remained competitive as Hugo Evans made two defensive interventions in the 17th and 18th minutes, a tackle followed by an interception, before launching another attempt on goal. However, Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers responded swiftly, equalising at 19 minutes. The Ravens’ defence, led by Nicholas Czwartosz, continued to work hard with a block at 20 minutes, supported by Garrett’s goalkeeping efforts.

Hugo Evans kept up the pressure with attempts at 21 and 24 minutes, while Alex Smigiel also tried his luck at 22 minutes. Defensive solidity was maintained with interceptions and blocks from Nicholas Czwartosz, who was particularly busy throughout the first half. The half concluded at 25 minutes with the score level.

The second half saw Hugo Evans immediately test the opposition again at 26 minutes. Defensive duties remained demanding, with Nicholas Czwartosz and Jake Whiteman both involved in blocks and clearances around the 27th minute. A tactical switch brought Finley Brothwell back on for Arkyn Brown at 27 minutes, aiming to refresh the midfield.

Despite their efforts, the Ravens conceded again at 29 minutes, allowing Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers to take the lead. The defensive battle continued with Nicholas Czwartosz making a vital tackle at 34 minutes and multiple blocks between 36 and 38 minutes, supported by interceptions from Alex Smigiel.

Goalkeeper Garrett remained vigilant, making saves at 39 and 47 minutes, while Jake Whiteman cleared danger multiple times, including a crucial block at 45 minutes that prevented a clear chance. Another substitution at 40 minutes saw Arkyn Brown return for Hugo Evans, who had been industrious throughout.

Late in the match, Jake Whiteman and Alex Smigiel combined defensively with clearances and interceptions at 47 minutes, and Hugo Evans intercepted at 51 minutes after returning to the field for Finley Brothwell. The Ravens’ defence was tested until the final whistle, with Nicholas Czwartosz blocking once more at 54 minutes, but the visitors sealed their victory with a third goal at the same time.

Sunday Ravens’ efforts were commendable, particularly from Hugo Evans, Jake Whiteman and Jedd Garrett, all named players of the match for their contributions in attack, defence and goalkeeping respectively. However, the Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers proved clinical and resilient, securing a 3-1 win on the day.