Stratford F.C. 3 vs 0 Old Stamfield

Old Stamfield faced Stratford F.C. in a crucial league away fixture at Stratford Town FC on 26 October 2025, kicking off at 4:30pm. The match ended in a 3-0 defeat for Old Stamfield after a dominant display from the home side. The referee for the encounter was Chris Kavanagh, overseeing the game in front of a crowd of 22,489 spectators.

Old Stamfield lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Alex Dos Santos started in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Ben Spencer at right back, Rory Stride and Eduardo Fuenzalida as central defenders, and Florian Sarosi on the left. The midfield double pivot featured Dominic Wilkinson and Emyll Leclerc, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball. Ahead of them, Jamie Johnson operated on the right wing, William Wilngrove occupied the central attacking midfield role, and Eduardo Camavinga took up the left attacking midfield position. Leading the line was striker Hugo Lamy, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances. On the bench were Giorgi Guliashvilli, Anders Larsson, Freddie Marshall, and Archie Newbold.

The match took a dramatic turn early on when Old Stamfield’s goalkeeper Alex Dos Santos was forced off injured in the 19th minute, replaced by substitute Giorgi Guliashvilli. This early disruption unsettled the visitors and Stratford capitalised ten minutes later. In the 29th minute, Stratford scored from inside the box with a precise left-footed finish, breaking the deadlock and putting Old Stamfield on the back foot.In the 32nd minute following a VAR review a soft penalty was awarded to Stratford for a foul by Fuenzalida on former old Stamfield player Grayson. Lewis took the penalty which was well saved my Alex Manchester.

As the first half progressed, tensions rose. Emyll Leclerc received a yellow card in the 40th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, a booking that would hamper Old Stamfield’s midfield composure. Just before the break, Stratford doubled their lead with a fluke goal from outside the box in the 45th minute, struck with the right foot. This unexpected strike left the Old Stamfield defence scrambling and sent the home crowd into raptures as the half-time whistle blew.

The second half saw Old Stamfield attempt to regain control, but their efforts were stifled. Rory Stride was cautioned in the 55th minute for a bad tackle, further complicating the visitors’ defensive duties. Stratford then delivered a stunning blow in the 63rd minute with a spectacular screamer from outside the box, again struck with the right foot, extending their lead to 3-0 and effectively sealing the contest.

In response, Old Stamfield made a series of tactical substitutions in an attempt to change the game’s momentum. At the 68th minute mark, Eduardo Camavinga was replaced by Anders Larsson, while Florian Sarosi made way for Freddie Marshall. Later, in the 74th minute, Emyll Leclerc was substituted off for Archie Newbold. After these changes Old Stamfield scored from a corner with Fuenzalida heading the ball in. However this goal was controversially ruled out by VAR for a subjective offside against Florian Sarosi in the goal line

Stratford’s clinical finishing and Old Stamfield’s early injury setback proved decisive in this encounter. The visitors were unable to find a way past the home side’s defence and goalkeeper after the initial goal, leaving them to reflect on a disappointing afternoon at Stratford Town FC.