Sawtry Colts U13 Yellow So 2 vs 2 Crowland Juniors U13s 2025

Crowland Juniors U13s U13s 2025/2026 travelled to Sawtry Colts FC on 29 March 2026 for a 10:00am kick-off in a league away fixture against Sawtry Colts U13 Yellow Sox. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after a pulsating 70 minutes of football plus added time.

Crowland Juniors lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity with a lone holding midfielder shielding the back four, while allowing four attacking midfielders to support the lone striker. Danny Roberts took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Tommy Bradley at right back, Lloris Kanyua and Kaiden Tee as central defenders, and Thomas Nairpour on the left. Joshua Thind operated as the central defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, David Monteanu occupied the right attacking midfield position, Hadi Derbas and George Ireland played centrally as attacking midfielders, and Miguel Pires took up the left attacking midfield role. Leading the line was Preston Bucknell as the sole striker.

The first half was a well contested affair with both sides probing but unable to break the deadlock by the 35-minute mark. Crowland Juniors’ defensive organisation and midfield discipline kept Sawtry Colts at bay, and they dominated playing without making many clear-cut chances. Most creative moment of the first half came when George Ireland plays a nice through ball to Miguel Pires and he crossed the ball into the penalty area with Preston Bucknall getting almost making the perfect connection but hitting the post.

Both teams made tactical changes at half time, both switching their strikers into wide positions in order to try and get them more creative flair. Sawtry looked to utilise the pace of their number 9, whilst Crowland opted to try use their number 10s creative flair to their advantage.

Just four minutes into the second half, Crowland Juniors took the lead through a well-crafted goal. Preston Bucknell delivered a precise cross from the right flank, which Miguel Pires expertly struck with his right foot from outside the box, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net. This goal showcased Pires’ shooting ability and Bucknell’s vision on the wing.

However, the lead was short-lived as Sawtry Colts responded swiftly. In the 54th minute, the home side found an equaliser, capitalising on a lapse in Crowland’s defence. Barely two minutes later, Sawtry Colts struck again to take a 2-1 lead, putting Crowland under significant pressure leading to a freekick and resulting goal.

Crowland Juniors responded immediately to this setback. In the 58th minute, Hadi Derbas restored parity with a composed finish using his right foot, demonstrating his attacking midfield prowess and composure under pressure. This goal reignited the contest and ensured the match remained finely balanced.

Despite further efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winner in the remaining minutes. Crowland Juniors’ defensive resilience, particularly from central defender Kaiden Tee, who was named player of the match, was crucial in securing a valuable point on the road.

The draw reflected a competitive encounter where Crowland Juniors showed attacking intent and defensive grit but were unable to hold on to their lead amid a spirited Sawtry Colts challenge. The 4-1-4-1 formation allowed Crowland to maintain shape and create chances, but the match ultimately ended honours even at 2-2.

Crowland continue produce displays which indicate desire to progress up the league and into division 2 next season.