On 13 September 2025, Sauchie Juniors 2011 faced Dunblane Soccer Club Strollers 2011 in a league home match at Dunblane High School, kicking off at 9:30am. The match ended in a resounding 7-1 victory for Dunblane Soccer Club Strollers, leaving Sauchie Juniors to reflect on a difficult day on the pitch. The game lasted 80 minutes plus added time, with referee Callum Wilson overseeing the 11-a-side contest.
Sauchie Juniors lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking support. Jamie Mitchell took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper. The back four consisted of Olly Moore at right back, Kacper Serafin and Logan Squair as central defenders, and Colin Beardmore on the left. Across midfield, Wiktor Zylowski operated on the right wing, Oliver Wilson and Finlay Russell held central midfield roles, while Jensen Obonyano occupied the left midfield berth. Lewis Baillie played just behind the lone striker, Jacob McQuillan, tasked with linking midfield and attack. The substitutes named were Kornel Baczynski, Kaden Dunnachie, and James Edwards.
From the outset, Sauchie Juniors showed intent. Within the first minute, goalkeeper Jamie Mitchell made a crucial dive at the feet of an early threat, setting the tone for his busy day. Just moments later, Jensen Obonyano’s long pass created a chance, which Finlay Russell promptly attempted but saw his effort saved. Mitchell then blocked a follow-up attempt, preventing an early goal and keeping his side in the contest.
Wiktor Zylowski tested the opposition keeper with a shot saved in the fifth minute, while Olly Moore intercepted a dangerous move a minute later, demonstrating defensive alertness. Kacper Serafin also made a vital interception in the ninth minute, halting a promising attack. Jensen Obonyano had an attempt sail high over the bar at the tenth minute, followed by Logan Squair’s saved effort two minutes later. Obonyano’s next shot went wide in the 13th minute, and Oliver Wilson’s wide attempt at 19 minutes was soon followed by a flicked key pass from Wilson that created another chance.
Wilson continued to influence the game with a long pass at 29 minutes, again setting up opportunities for Sauchie Juniors. Logan Squair’s interception at 31 minutes prevented a clear chance, but despite these efforts, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 37th minute due to a defensive mistake. The situation worsened just before half-time, with Dunblane scoring again in the 40th minute, leaving Sauchie Juniors trailing 2-0 at the break.
The second half began with immediate pressure. Dunblane added a third goal right on the stroke of half-time, compounding Sauchie Juniors’ woes. Early substitutions followed at 42 minutes, with Kornel Baczynski replacing Colin Beardmore and Kaden Dunnachie coming on for Lewis Baillie. The defensive work continued with Kacper Serafin making a crucial tackle and Wiktor Zylowski blocking a shot in the 43rd minute, both preventing further chances.
Dunblane’s dominance was clear as they scored a lob from outside the box in the 44th minute. Jamie Mitchell made a confident catch at 48 minutes, but a defensive error allowed Dunblane to score again in the 49th minute. Mitchell’s safe hands were called upon again at 58 minutes with another catch, but the visitors’ relentless pressure saw them net their sixth goal in the 66th minute.
At 61 minutes, James Edwards replaced Jensen Obonyano, while Wiktor Zylowski twice saw his shots saved in quick succession at 62 and 64 minutes. Mitchell produced a full-stretch save at 68 minutes, and Lewis Baillie returned to the field for Oliver Wilson at 69 minutes. Mitchell cleared a dangerous ball at 70 minutes, denying Dunblane further opportunities.
Sauchie Juniors managed to pull a goal back in the 75th minute through Wiktor Zylowski, who scored directly from a corner kick, a rare moment of quality and precision in an otherwise difficult match. However, Dunblane responded immediately with a seventh goal in the 76th minute, capitalising on another defensive lapse.
Wiktor Zylowski continued to press, but his shot was saved again at 79 minutes. Kacper Serafin’s long pass at 81 minutes created a chance, and Mitchell caught a cross moments later. Dunblane sealed their emphatic victory with an eighth goal in the 82nd minute.
Despite the heavy defeat, Wiktor Zylowski’s efforts stood out, earning him the player of the match accolade for his attacking threat and resilience throughout the game. Sauchie Juniors will need to regroup and address their defensive frailties if they are to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
