S J B Juniors U16 Girls travelled to Hereford Academy on 27 September 2025 for an 11-a-side league clash against HFA Girls Development Centre U16 Herefor, kicking off at 11:00am. The match concluded with the visitors defeated 3-1 after a hard-fought 80 minutes plus added time.
Deploying a 4-4-1-1 formation, S J B Juniors lined up with Grace in goal, protected by a back four of Milly at right back, Sophia and Tianna as central defenders, and Ella on the left. The midfield comprised Eva on the right wing, Liv and Isha centrally, and Zara on the left flank. Freya operated just behind the lone striker Lacie, tasked with linking midfield and attack. This setup demanded defensive solidity from the backline, width and creativity from the wide midfielders, and incisive support from Freya to supply Lacie upfront. The substitutes available were Beth, Jaden, and Sophie.
The game began with an early disruption for S J B Juniors as Freya was forced off injured after just four minutes, replaced by Beth. This early change unsettled the visitors’ rhythm, and the match quickly became a test of resilience. By the 21st minute, further tactical adjustments saw Freya return to the field, this time replacing Liv while Jaden came on for Zara. Shortly after, Sophie was introduced for Isha in central midfield at the 25-minute mark, signalling a reshuffle aimed at regaining control in the middle of the park.
At 34 minutes, Ella was substituted off for Zara, perhaps seeking fresh legs to counter the opposition’s threat. However, the visitors’ defensive efforts were breached in the 37th minute when HFA Girls Development Centre found the net, taking the lead just before half-time. The first half concluded at the 40-minute mark with S J B Juniors trailing by a single goal.
The second half began with Ella returning to the field, replacing Jaden immediately after the break. The game remained intense, with S J B Juniors striving to find an equaliser. At 66 minutes, Jaden was brought back on, this time replacing Eva after a collision resulting in a head injury.
HFA Girls extended their advantage in the 71st minute, doubling their lead and putting S J B Juniors under significant pressure. The visitors responded with a substitution at 74 minutes, Liv returning to the game as Lacie made way after an injury to her leg. Yet, just one minute later, Lacie was back on the scoresheet, netting a goal assisted by Freya, who had earlier returned from injury. This goal offered a glimmer of hope and reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Despite this spirited response, HFA Girls Development Centre struck again in the 78th minute, restoring their two-goal cushion and effectively sealing the match. The final stages saw S J B Juniors pushing forward in search of another goal, but the opposition’s defence held firm to secure a 3-1 victory.
Throughout the match, Ella, Freya, and Tianna stood out for their efforts. Ella’s strength and consistency was evident at left-back and contributing both defensively and offensively, particularly with her long throws. Freya’s impact was notable, especially with her assist for Lacie’s goal, which earned her the oppositions GOTM while Tianna’s defensive work helped keep the scoreline respectable.
In summary, S J B Juniors U16 Girls faced a challenging encounter away at Hereford Academy, with early injuries and multiple substitutions disrupting their flow. Despite a determined fightback and a well-taken goal, they were ultimately overcome by HFA Girls Development Centre who capitalised on their chances to secure all three points.
