Corinthian Casuals U12 travelled to Chipstead FC in Surrey on 14 September 2025 for a 1:00pm kick-off in a 9-a-side league encounter. The visitors produced a commanding performance to secure a 6-1 victory over Chipstead Youth U12 Yellow in a match lasting 60 minutes plus added time.
Corinthian Casuals lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back, four midfielders across the middle, and a lone striker leading the line. Albie Safarty guarded the goal, with Lourenço Afonseca positioned as right defender, Freddy Horwood centrally, and Alfie Vine on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Thomas Albuquerque on the right, Archer Edwards and Harvey O’Connor centrally, and Cooper Lund on the left. Carter Matthews operated as the sole striker, expected to spearhead attacks and convert chances created by the midfield. The substitutes available were Leo Bradley and Fraser Ross.
The match began with Corinthian Casuals asserting control, but it was not until the 19th minute that the first tactical changes were made. Thomas Albuquerque and Cooper Lund were replaced by Leo Bradley and Fraser Ross respectively, signalling a shift in approach. This proved decisive as Fraser Ross opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the area, demonstrating his ability to influence the game from midfield.
Just three minutes later, Harvey O’Connor unleashed a spectacular screamer from outside the box, expertly assisted by a short pass from Archer Edwards. The goal underlined the midfield’s creativity and shooting prowess. The visitors continued their momentum as Fraser Ross struck again in the 29th minute, this time from close range following a neat team move and a short pass from striker Carter Matthews.
Half-time arrived with Corinthian Casuals comfortably ahead 3-0. The interval saw further substitutions as Alfie Vine and Carter Matthews were replaced by Cooper Lund and Thomas Albuquerque respectively, restoring some of the original personnel but in different roles to maintain intensity.
Chipstead Youth managed to pull a goal back in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake by Corinthian Casuals. Despite this setback, the visitors quickly regained control. Fraser Ross completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute with a close-range finish inside the box, reaffirming his status as the standout player of the match.
Thomas Albuquerque then added to the tally in the 42nd minute, converting another defensive error from the hosts with a composed right-footed finish from close range. Shortly after, Archer Edwards and Lourenço Afonseca were substituted off for Carter Matthews and Alfie Vine respectively, maintaining fresh legs and tactical balance.
The second half continued with further changes as Freddy Horwood and Archer Edwards returned to the pitch, replacing Lourenço Afonseca and Fraser Ross at the 50th minute mark. Despite the rotation, Corinthian Casuals remained dominant.
Thomas Albuquerque scored his second goal of the afternoon in the 54th minute, this time from a close-range set piece expertly delivered by Carter Matthews from a free kick. This goal extended the lead to 6-1 and effectively sealed the result.
Late substitutions saw Freddy Horwood and Archer Edwards come on for Harvey O’Connor and Leo Bradley in the 58th minute, ensuring the team’s energy levels stayed high until the final whistle.
Corinthian Casuals U12’s comprehensive 6-1 victory was built on a solid defensive foundation, midfield creativity, and clinical finishing, with Fraser Ross earning player of the match honours for his influential hat-trick and overall contribution. The referee managed the game well, rated 70, in front of a crowd of 40 spectators. This result will boost Corinthian Casuals’ confidence as they continue their league campaign.
