Sunday Ravens faced Saffron Dynamo U9 Strikers in a league away match at King Park (Cosby) on 5 October 2025, kicking off at 10:15am. The 7-a-side contest lasted 50 minutes plus added time, ending in a 3-0 loss for Sunday Ravens.
Sunday Ravens lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the left, central and right channels, and a lone striker upfront. Jedd Garrett took his place in goal, with Eric Shaw and Nicholas Czwartosz anchoring the defence centrally. The midfield trio consisted of Finley Brothwell on the left, Alex Smigiel in the centre, and Hugo Evans on the right. Leading the line was striker Rueben Allured-Rowley. The formation was designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield control and attacking support from the wide areas. The substitutes available were Jake Whiteman and Arkyn Brown.
The match began with Sunday Ravens eager to assert themselves. At five minutes, Hugo Evans tested the opposition goalkeeper with a wide attempt, signalling early attacking intent. However, Saffron Dynamo struck first at the ninth minute, taking the lead and putting Sunday Ravens on the back foot.
Sunday Ravens responded with an effort from Alex Smigiel in the twelfth minute, but his shot went wide. Shortly after, the team made a double substitution: Jake Whiteman replaced Eric Shaw in defence, while Arkyn Brown came on for Finley Brothwell on the left midfield. Despite these changes, Hugo Evans fired another attempt over the bar at fourteen minutes.
Goalkeeper Jedd Garrett was called into action at the twentieth minute, making a crucial save to keep the scoreline at 1-0. Two minutes later, Eric Shaw returned to the field, replacing Nicholas Czwartosz in central defence. The first half concluded at the twenty-fifth minute with Sunday Ravens trailing by a goal.
At half-time, Sunday Ravens made further adjustments. Nicholas Czwartosz came back on for striker Rueben Allured-Rowley, and Finley Brothwell replaced central midfielder Alex Smigiel. These tactical tweaks aimed to bolster midfield presence and defensive cover.
Early in the second half, Nicholas Czwartosz forced a save from the opposition keeper with a shot at twenty-seven minutes. Finley Brothwell followed with an attempt at thirty-one minutes, showing signs of attacking ambition. Hugo Evans then had a shot saved at thirty-two minutes, and Arkyn Brown tested the keeper again at thirty-three minutes.
Despite these efforts, Saffron Dynamo doubled their lead at thirty-five minutes. In response, Sunday Ravens made two substitutions: Rueben Allured-Rowley returned upfront for Nicholas Czwartosz, and Alex Smigiel came on for Hugo Evans on the right wing.
Arkyn Brown continued to press, but his shot was saved at thirty-nine minutes. Jedd Garrett remained vigilant, making another key save at the fortieth minute. Rueben Allured-Rowley’s attempt at forty-three minutes went wide, with Garrett again denying the opposition shortly after.
At forty-four minutes, Hugo Evans re-entered the fray, replacing Finley Brothwell. Garrett produced a vital parry to keep the team in the contest. Eric Shaw returned to defence at forty-seven minutes, replacing Jake Whiteman, but Saffron Dynamo struck again to make it 3-0.
Sunday Ravens battled throughout but were unable to break down the resolute Saffron Dynamo defence. Hugo Evans, Jedd Garrett and Alex Smigiel were standout performers, showing determination and skill despite the disappointing result. The team will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
