In a thrilling league encounter at the Falmer Sports Complex on 17 May 2025, Preston Manor Royals secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Cuckfield Rangers Development. The match kicked off at 3:00 pm, with a modest attendance of 15 fans witnessing the action unfold.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Ryan Thompson took his position in goal, while Daren Calver and Gillan Williams occupied the right and left defensive flanks, respectively. Central defenders Adam Arnold and Dominic Hewitt formed a robust partnership at the heart of the defence. In front of them, Matt Howard played as the holding midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively. The attacking midfield trio consisted of Valery Jingwa on the right, Mark Baroni on the left, and Jake Nurse supporting striker Marlon Perrin, who led the line with Daniel Clark on the left forward position.
The substitutes for Preston Manor Royals included Ahmet Balci, Jaegan Roberts, Aziz Can Karan, and Danny Grafton, who would later play a role in the match as it progressed.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage. Adam Arnold had a chance to put his side ahead in the 12th minute, but his attempt sailed high over the bar. Just a minute later, Daniel Clark also failed to find the target, sending his shot wide. However, the Royals would not be denied for long, as Valery Jingwa opened the scoring in the 17th minute. He found himself in close range and expertly finished with his left foot, putting Preston Manor Royals 1-0 up.
Marlon Perrin nearly doubled the lead shortly after, but his effort was saved by the Cuckfield goalkeeper. The Royals continued to press, and in the 31st minute, Perrin found the net with a stunning lob from long range, assisted by a precise long pass from Daren Calver. This goal showcased the attacking prowess of the Royals, extending their lead to 2-0.
As the first half drew to a close, Ryan Thompson was called into action, making a crucial parry to deny a Cuckfield attempt. Just before the half-time whistle, Preston made a tactical substitution, bringing on Ahmet Balci for Daren Calver in the 42nd minute.
The second half commenced with Preston Manor Royals looking to maintain their advantage. Marlon Perrin struck again in the 51st minute, scoring his second goal of the match with a composed finish inside the box, making it 3-0. However, the Royals' defence faltered just four minutes later when Ryan Thompson misjudged a situation, leading to a goal for Cuckfield Rangers, who capitalised on the defensive mistake to pull one back.
In the 59th minute, Preston made another substitution, introducing Jaegan Roberts for Mark Baroni. The match continued with both teams creating chances, but neither could find the back of the net until the 69th minute, when Thompson made a full-stretch save to deny a Cuckfield effort, showcasing his resilience despite earlier errors.
As the match progressed, Preston made further changes, with Danny Grafton coming on for Marlon Perrin in the 76th minute. Grafton quickly made his presence felt, testing the Cuckfield goalkeeper with two attempts in quick succession, both of which were saved.
Despite a spirited effort from Cuckfield Rangers, Preston Manor Royals held firm, securing a 3-1 victory and solidifying their position in the league. Marlon Perrin's standout performance, highlighted by two goals, earned him the title of Player of the Match, as the Royals celebrated a well-deserved win at home.
