White Team Triumph 5-2 Over Pink United At Blackberry Lane

On 3rd January 2026, White Team hosted Pink United in a thrilling 9-a-side cup match at Blackberry Lane, kicking off at 11:35am in front of a crowd of 25,200. The match ended in a commanding 5-2 victory for White Team, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience under pressure. Referee Dave Lee officiated with distinction, ensuring a fair contest throughout.

White Team lined up in a 3-1-2-2 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Larry Kay took his place in goal, protected by a back three of Daniel Tibo at right defender, Milo Ball centrally, and Si Anfield on the left. Ian Lin operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Arty Oliverod and Taylor Kiss occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, expected to create chances and support the forwards. Leading the line were Rob Corsthorn on the right and Lekuo Timber on the left, both forwards charged with converting opportunities into goals. Harvey Liov was named among the substitutes.

The match burst into life early on when Pink United received a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 15th minute, signalling a physical encounter. White Team capitalised immediately as Rob Corsthorn confidently converted the penalty with his left foot, giving the hosts an early lead. The momentum stayed with White Team as Arty Oliverod doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, brilliantly executing a scissors kick finish with his right foot following a flicked assist from Ian Lin, who showed excellent vision and technique.

As the first half neared its conclusion, tension rose when Milo Ball committed a late tackle in the 43rd minute, conceding a penalty and earning a yellow card for his challenge. Pink United made no mistake from the spot, pulling a goal back with a left-footed kick just before half-time. The teams went into the break with White Team leading 2-1, the game finely poised.

Early in the second half, tactical changes saw Harvey Liov replace Taylor Kiss in the 51st minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield. White Team’s Ian Lin was involved in a defensive clearance at 56 minutes, though it did not prevent Pink United from maintaining pressure. Lekuo Timber tested the opposition’s goalkeeper with a wide attempt in the 66th minute, signalling his intent to add to the scoreline.

White Team extended their lead in the 72nd minute through Lekuo Timber, who lobbed the ball over the keeper from outside the box with a precise left-footed finish. The goal was expertly set up by Si Anfield’s long pass, demonstrating the effectiveness of their attacking transitions. Pink United responded with a close-range tap-in at 79 minutes, narrowing the deficit once again and keeping the contest alive.

The match reached a dramatic climax deep into injury time. Rob Corsthorn scored a spectacular overhead kick from outside the box in the 93rd minute, assisted by Arty Oliverod’s cross, electrifying the home crowd. Shortly after, Pink United saw one of their players sent off for a second yellow card at 97 minutes, reducing them to eight men. White Team were awarded the penalty following the dismissal, which Rob Corsthorn calmly converted with his left foot, sealing a comprehensive 5-2 victory.

Rob Corsthorn’s hat-trick, including two penalties and a stunning overhead kick, alongside Arty Oliverod’s creative brilliance earned them both the honours of players of the match. White Team’s disciplined defensive structure combined with incisive attacking play proved decisive in this memorable cup tie at Blackberry Lane.