Brighton 0 vs 1 Old Stamfield

Old Stamfield secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Brighton in a tense league away fixture at the Withdean Sports Complex on 9 April 2026, kick-off at 8:00pm. The match was tightly contested throughout the 90 minutes plus added time, with Old Stamfield’s solitary goal proving decisive.

Old Stamfield lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Alex Dos Santos in goal, protected by a back four of Rory Stride at right back, Taiwo Ejuke and Eduardo Fuenzalida as central defenders, and Freddie Marshall on the left. The midfield double pivot consisted of Romeh Serratton and Dominic Wilkinson, tasked with both defensive cover and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, Sam Jones operated on the right wing, Fredrik Wirz played centrally behind the striker, and Eduardo Camavinga took up the left attacking midfield role. Hugo Lamy led the line as the lone striker, expected to be the focal point of Old Stamfield’s offensive efforts. The substitutes named were Giorgi Guliashvilli, Sam Miller, Jamie Johnson, and Ben Spencer.

The match began with Old Stamfield’s goalkeeper Alex Dos Santos unfortunately forced off injured after just 16 minutes, replaced by Giorgi Guliashvilli. This early setback could have unsettled the visitors but they maintained their shape and discipline. Another injury blow followed at 31 minutes when central midfielder Romeh Serratton was substituted for Sam Miller, requiring Old Stamfield to adapt their midfield dynamics.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides cancelling each other out in a competitive and physical encounter. However, the second half burst into life immediately as Old Stamfield took the lead in the 46th minute. Dominic Wilkinson delivered a precise long pass that found Sam Jones on the right flank, who expertly curled the ball into the net with his left foot. This goal injected confidence into Old Stamfield and forced Brighton to push forward in search of an equaliser.

The match referee, Simon Hooper, who officiated with authority and control, brandished a yellow card to Dominic Wilkinson in the 58th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, a caution that added further pressure on Old Stamfield’s midfield.

As the game progressed, Old Stamfield made a double tactical substitution in the 72nd minute to shore up their lead. Jamie Johnson replaced the goal scorer Sam Jones on the right wing, while Ben Spencer came on for the booked Dominic Wilkinson in central midfield. These changes aimed to reinforce the midfield and defensive stability as Brighton intensified their efforts.

Despite Brighton’s attempts to break down Old Stamfield’s defence, the visitors held firm, with Giorgi Guliashvilli making several key saves after coming on early in the match. The defensive unit, marshalled by Ejuke and Fuenzalida, remained resolute, while the full-backs Stride and Marshall contributed to both defensive duties and counter-attacking support.

Old Stamfield’s solitary goal proved enough to claim all three points in a hard-fought contest, maintaining their position in the league standings. The victory was a testament to their resilience in overcoming early injuries and tactical challenges at the Withdean Sports Complex in front of a crowd of 14,654 spectators.