The season is young, the air still carries that fresh optimism, and tomorrow afternoon Woodsend Pavilion plays host to its first real examination of Corby Town’s U16 girls. Opening day victory has given Corby a spring in their step, but standing in their path now are last year’s Division 1 runners-up, the formidable Berkhamsted Raiders U16 Reds.

Last season saw the two sides go toe-to-toe in a League Cup semi-final thriller, 80 minutes produced no winner, penalties were required, and Corby held their nerve. That will not be forgotten by the visitors, who will arrive determined to exact a little revenge.

Berkhamsted themselves began this campaign with a stumble: two goals up at Luton Town, only to see it slip away in a 2–2 draw. They will not want to see that pattern repeated. Expect them to be sharp, disciplined, and every bit as dangerous as their record suggests.

For Corby, this is about making a statement. They were impressive on opening day, solid at the back, adventurous in attack, full of energy and invention which saw Freya get her self a hattrick. Lilly-Mai will be missing, but there is encouraging news that Leila should recover in time to feature. Her presence could prove pivotal in a game that promises both quality and drama.

Two hours on the road for the Raiders, 80 minutes under the Woodsend spotlight for both. If last season’s semi-final was anything to go by, this could be a contest that defines the tone of the campaign for both clubs.

So, the stage is set. The first home outing for Corby, a point to prove for Berkhamsted. Football at this level doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but encounter has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser.