Corinthian Casuals U12 1 vs 2 Walton & Hersham United U1

On Sunday 28 September 2025, Corinthian Casuals U12 hosted Walton & Hersham United U12 Vikings at the Corinthian ground in a 9-a-side cup match that kicked off promptly at 10:00am. The home side fought hard but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat after a tightly contested 60-minute encounter.

Corinthian Casuals lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Lourenço Afonseca on the right, Freddy Horwood centrally, and Alfie Vine on the left. The midfield quartet featured Leo Bradley on the right wing, Archer Edwards and Harvey O’Connor occupying central midfield roles, and Cooper Lund operating on the left flank. Carter Matthews was positioned as the lone striker, supported just behind by the midfield line. The formation was designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking width and midfield creativity. The substitutes named for the match were Thomas Albuquerque and Fraser Ross.

The match began with an early spark from Corinthian Casuals. In the seventh minute, a long pass from striker Carter Matthews found Cooper Lund outside the area, who expertly curled a left-footed strike into the net to give the hosts a bright start. However, the joy was short-lived as injury forced an early change; just a minute later, Thomas Albuquerque replaced right defender Lourenço Afonseca.

Corinthian Casuals made another substitution in the 17th minute when Fraser Ross came on for striker Carter Matthews, who was later forced off due to injury in the 25th minute. This led to Archer Edwards being withdrawn, making way for Matthews to return to the field in a different role. The first half ended with Corinthian Casuals still holding onto their slender lead.

The second half saw further disruption for the home side as Cooper Lund was substituted off due to injury in the 31st minute, with Archer Edwards returning to the pitch. Despite these changes, Walton & Hersham United U12 Vikings capitalised on defensive errors to level the match in the 45th minute with a right-footed finish following a mistake at the back. Barely two minutes later, the visitors struck again with a powerful long-range right-footed strike to take the lead.

Corinthian Casuals responded by bringing Cooper Lund back on in the 48th minute for Fraser Ross, attempting to regain their attacking impetus. Despite their efforts and the resolute defending of Alfie Vine, who was named player of the match for his outstanding performance at left defender, the home side could not find an equaliser.

The referee’s performance was steady but unremarkable throughout, overseeing a competitive match in front of 20 spectators. Ultimately, Walton & Hersham United U12 Vikings secured a 2-1 victory on Corinthian’s home turf, ending the cup tie with a hard-fought win.