Corby Town U15 girls are on the road, heading to Great Houghton for a colossal County Cup Semi-Final showdown against the unknown quantity that is Houghton Hawks. The Hawks may not be familiar foes, but they bring with them the battle-hardened experience of competing in the Northampton and District Youth Alliance boys' league—a test of the highest order for Corby. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Corby side, it’s that they thrive on defying expectations.

Just weeks ago, they booked their place in the League Cup Final with a fearless display, and now they stand just one game away from a second final in the same season. Houghton, though, are not here to make up the numbers. An 8-0 demolition of Kettering FC Kites in the last round proved their ruthless streak, and they’ll be desperate to punch their ticket to the final.

Corby will be without their powerhouse midfielder, Skye, but the return of Freya adds strength to their ranks. With 18 goals to her name already this season, Leila is just two strikes away from a remarkable 20-goal haul. Could this be the game where she reaches that milestone?

With a 12-game unbeaten run on the line, Corby’s defence will need to be rock solid from the first whistle. They’ve built a reputation as a defensive wall, they’ll need to make sure every brick is in place.

Will it be déjà vu and another final for Corby? Or will Houghton’s experience against tougher opposition prove the difference.