Preston Manor Royals hosted Newhaven II at the Falmer Sports Complex on 20 September 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm in a keenly contested league fixture. The Royals emerged victorious by a narrow 2-1 margin after 90 minutes of competitive football, securing all three points on home soil.
Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Preston Manor Royals set up with Ryan Thompson in goal, protected by a back four comprising Daren Calver at right back, Dominic Hewitt and Yassir Lekbir as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left. Matt Howard operated as the lone defensive midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and recycling possession. Ahead of him, Mark Baroni took up the right attacking midfield role, while Mike Serrão occupied the left attacking midfield position. The front three featured Daniel Clark on the right wing, Marlon Perrin leading the line as striker, and Harvey Cagney on the left wing. This setup was designed to provide width and attacking impetus from the flanks, with Perrin expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances created by the midfield.
On the bench, Preston Manor Royals had four substitutes ready: Musa Omar, Stiven Lopes, Carlton Najomo, and Sam Copeland.
The match began with an early setback for the Royals as Newhaven II capitalised on a defensive error in the 16th minute. A misjudged clearance allowed the visitors to slot home with their right foot, giving them an unexpected lead. The Royals responded swiftly, with Mark Baroni testing the opposition goalkeeper with a high attempt five minutes later, though it sailed over the bar. Moments after, Ryan Thompson was called into action, making a crucial save to keep the deficit at one.
Harvey Cagney then provided a key pass in the 21st minute, creating a clear chance for Preston Manor Royals. This opportunity was expertly converted by Marlon Perrin three minutes later, who fired a left-footed finish from inside the box to level the scores. Perrin continued to threaten, but his effort in the 32nd minute went wide, while Yassir Lekbir also had a wide attempt just before half-time.
At the interval, Preston Manor Royals made a wholesale change, bringing on Carlton Najomo, Sam Copeland, Stiven Lopes, and Musa Omar in place of Mike Serrão, Daren Calver, Harvey Cagney, and Mark Baroni respectively. This fresh injection of energy was aimed at turning the tide in the second half.
Early in the second period, Daniel Clark forced a save from the Newhaven goalkeeper in the 51st minute, signalling the Royals’ intent to push for a winner. Ryan Thompson was again pivotal in the 59th minute, punching clear a dangerous cross to maintain parity. The breakthrough came shortly after when Carlton Najomo scored from close range inside the box in the 61st minute, expertly finishing with his left foot following a precise cross from Musa Omar.
Despite further efforts from Marlon Perrin and Carlton Najomo, whose attempts in the 76th and 78th minutes were either high or saved, the Royals maintained their slender advantage. Daniel Clark also saw a shot saved late on in the 86th minute, a crucial moment as Newhaven II were reduced to ten men after receiving a red card for an unspecified offence.
Stiven Lopes had a wide attempt in the 89th minute, but the Royals’ defence held firm. Ryan Thompson capped off a commanding performance with a vital dive at the feet of an attacker in stoppage time, ensuring the clean sheet was preserved in the closing moments.
Dominic Hewitt and Yassir Lekbir stood out defensively, earning player of the match honours for their resolute and composed performances at the heart of the defence. Referee Calogero Rizzo officiated the game with distinction, his decisions contributing to a well-managed contest.
In the end, Preston Manor Royals secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newhaven II, a result that will boost their confidence as the league campaign progresses.
