Oxford 1 vs 2 Old Stamfield

Old Stamfield travelled to the Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day, 26 December 2025, for a 12:30pm kick-off in a crucial league away fixture against Oxford. The match concluded with Old Stamfield securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, overturning an early deficit to claim all three points in front of a crowd of 12,421. Referee Craig Pawson oversaw the 90 minutes plus added time, maintaining control with a steady performance.

Old Stamfield lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying a balanced shape designed to provide defensive solidity and attacking creativity. Alex Dos Santos guarded the goal, supported by a back four consisting of Romeh Serratton at right back, Taiwo Ejuke and Eduardo Fuenzalida as central defenders, and Florian Sarosi on the left. In midfield, Ben Spencer and Dominic Wilkinson operated as the two holding midfielders tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball efficiently. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio featured Sam Jones on the right flank, Fredrik Wirz centrally as the attacking midfielder, and William Wilngrove on the left, all supporting lone striker Hugo Lamy. The substitutes named on the bench were Sam Miller, Rory Stride, Freddie Marshall, Antoine Todibo, and Alex Gatuso.

The match began with Oxford taking the initiative and breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute through a spectacular screamer from outside the box, struck with their right foot, which left Dos Santos with no chance. Old Stamfield’s defensive line was tested early, and the visitors found themselves trailing at Kassam Stadium. The game’s intensity rose as Romeh Serratton received a yellow card in the 36th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, a caution that would influence his defensive approach for the remainder of the half. The first half ended with Oxford holding a slender 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Old Stamfield sought to regain control but suffered a setback when Eduardo Fuenzalida was booked in the 54th minute for a similar offence, denying a goalscoring chance. Managerial tactics came into play shortly after as Sam Miller replaced Ben Spencer in the 58th minute, a move aimed at injecting fresh energy into the midfield. The substitution paid immediate dividends when, just a minute later, Fredrik Wirz equalised with a composed finish inside the box, slotting home a right-footed shot following a neat short pass from Sam Jones on the right wing.

Old Stamfield continued to press and made another tactical change in the 66th minute, bringing on Rory Stride for Sam Jones to maintain attacking impetus while shoring up the midfield. The visitors’ persistence was rewarded late on when Romeh Serratton delivered a precise cross from the right flank in the 86th minute, allowing Hugo Lamy to tap in from close range with his right foot, securing a 2-1 lead. The Kassam Stadium crowd witnessed a spirited comeback as Old Stamfield took the lead for the first time in the match.

As the game entered its final stages, further tactical substitutions were made to preserve the advantage. Freddie Marshall replaced Florian Sarosi on the left side of defence in the 87th minute, followed by Antoine Todibo and Alex Gatuso coming on for Hugo Lamy and Fredrik Wirz respectively during stoppage time at the 92nd minute mark. Despite the fresh legs, Rory Stride was shown a yellow card in the 95th minute for unsporting behaviour, a reminder of the match’s physical intensity.

Old Stamfield’s resilience and tactical adjustments ultimately secured a valuable away victory, overturning an early deficit and demonstrating their fighting spirit at Kassam Stadium. The 2-1 win will provide a significant boost to their league campaign as they return home with all three points.