Preston Manor Royals 4 vs 1 Burwash First

On 3rd October 2026, Preston Manor Royals welcomed Burwash First to Portslade Aldridge Community Academy for a fiercely contested cup tie that kicked off at 2:00pm. The Royals emerged emphatic 4-1 victors after 97 minutes of pulsating football, with goalkeeper Adrian Bajka earning man of the match honours for his commanding presence between the sticks.

Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive quartet of Sam Copeland at right back, Yassir Lekbir and Adam Arnold as central defenders, and Luke Hendy on the left flank. Anchoring the midfield was Dominic Hewitt, tasked with shielding the backline and dictating tempo. Ahead of him, Michael Russell operated on the right wing while Harvey Cagney took up the left attacking midfield role, both expected to supply the front three. The attacking trio featured Gary Valaydon on the right forward position, Jack Trotter leading the line as striker, and Daniel Clark on the left forward berth. The substitutes bench included Albert Collings, Mike Serrão, Marwan Mandor, Jake Atherton, and Finley Darby.

The match burst into life immediately as Preston Manor Royals took the lead inside the opening minute. Jack Trotter threaded a precise short pass into the box, allowing Gary Valaydon to slot home confidently with his right foot. This early goal set the tone for the Royals’ attacking intent. Valaydon continued to test the Burwash defence with a wide attempt in the eighth minute, though it failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

Jack Trotter also went close with a wide shot in the 12th minute, illustrating the Royals’ persistent pressure. Burwash First responded with some physicality, earning a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 22nd minute. Moments later, Adrian Bajka was called into action, producing a full stretch save to deny a Burwash effort and maintain his side’s advantage.

The Royals faced a setback in the 25th minute when central defender Yassir Lekbir was forced off injured, replaced by Albert Collings. Bajka remained alert, comfortably catching a cross a minute later. Adam Arnold attempted a high shot in the 27th minute, which sailed over the bar, followed by a saved effort from Sam Copeland two minutes later.

Harvey Cagney’s aggressive approach earned him a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 36th minute, signalling a need for caution. Burwash First capitalised on a rare moment of space just before half-time, unleashing a spectacular screamer from outside the box with their right foot that found the net in the 37th minute, halving the deficit.

As the first half drew to a close, Preston Manor Royals made a triple substitution at the 45th minute mark: Marwan Mandor replaced Gary Valaydon, Jake Atherton came on for Harvey Cagney, and Mike Serrão took over from Sam Copeland. Burwash First also received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour at the same time.

The second half resumed with Michael Russell firing a shot that was saved in the 48th minute. Shortly after, the half-time whistle sounded at 48.5 minutes. Jake Atherton’s wide attempt in the 53rd minute kept the Royals pushing forward.

The Royals regained their two-goal cushion in the 63rd minute when Mike Serrão delivered a pinpoint cross to Daniel Clark, who rose highest to head the ball home. This goal was followed by another substitution as Finley Darby replaced left back Luke Hendy in the 64th minute.

Harvey Cagney returned to the pitch in the 68th minute, substituting Michael Russell to add fresh impetus on the left wing. Jack Trotter’s shot was saved in the 70th minute, but the Royals were undeterred.

In the 73rd minute, Marwan Mandor capitalised on a defensive error, receiving a short pass from Jake Atherton and curling a left-footed strike from outside the box into the net, extending the lead to 4-1. Finley Darby’s crucial tackle in the 78th minute prevented a Burwash chance, demonstrating his defensive awareness.

Adrian Bajka continued to impress with a safe catch in the 79th minute, while Harvey Cagney rattled the crossbar with a fierce attempt in the 84th minute, narrowly missing a fifth goal. The Royals made further changes late on, with Gary Valaydon returning for Daniel Clark in the 85th minute and Michael Russell replacing Dominic Hewitt in the 88th.

The final goal arrived deep into added time at 94 minutes when Jake Atherton converted a set-piece assist from Jack Trotter with a composed left-footed finish inside the box, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Preston Manor Royals.

Throughout the match, referee Chris Stubbs maintained excellent control, allowing the game to flow while managing the physicality effectively. Preston Manor Royals’ tactical discipline, combined with clinical finishing and a commanding performance from Adrian Bajka, ensured they progressed comfortably in this cup fixture.