Newhaven Reserves 3 vs 3 Preston Manor Royals

Preston Manor Royals travelled to Newhaven Football Club on the evening of 9 October 2026 for an 8:00pm kick-off in a league away fixture against Newhaven Reserves. The match, lasting 100 minutes including added time, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils in a pulsating encounter refereed by Steve Ellis.

Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Adrian Bajka in goal. The defensive line consisted of Sam Copeland at right back, Albert Collings and Adam Arnold as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left. Sitting just ahead of the back four was the central midfielder Dominic Hewitt, tasked with shielding the defence and linking play. Ahead of him, Harvey Cagney operated on the right attacking midfield flank, while Valery Jingwa took up the left attacking midfield role. The forward line featured Gary Valaydon on the right, Jack Trotter as the central striker, and Jake Atherton on the left. The substitutes named were Daniel Clark, Omar Ebada, Michael Russell, and Steven Anjorin.

From the outset, the Royals were tested as Adrian Bajka was called into action within the first minute, producing a sharp parry to deny an early Newhaven effort. Preston’s attacking intent was evident soon after, with Harvey Cagney attempting a high shot in the 13th minute that sailed over the bar. Valery Jingwa followed with a shot on target three minutes later, but the Newhaven goalkeeper was equal to it, making a comfortable save.

The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute when Dominic Hewitt capitalised on a close-range opportunity, slotting home a tap-in with his right foot to give Preston Manor Royals the lead. Jack Trotter tested the opposition keeper again in the 24th minute, but his effort was saved, keeping the Royals ahead.

Defensive resilience was required as Bajka once more demonstrated his shot-stopping prowess with a parry in the 31st minute. However, the Royals’ discipline was tested when Jake Atherton received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 34th minute. The visitors’ advantage was short-lived as Newhaven Reserves capitalised on a defensive mistake to equalise just before half-time in the 43rd minute, scoring with a right-footed finish.

The first half concluded with Preston Manor Royals pressing forward, Gary Valaydon’s attempt saved at the stroke of half-time in the 46th minute. The teams went into the break locked at 1-1.

The second half saw continued attacking efforts from the Royals, with Valery Jingwa firing high over the bar in the 55th minute. Dominic Hewitt once again proved pivotal, heading home a free-kick delivered by Albert Collings in the 62nd minute to restore Preston’s lead. Shortly after, a tactical change was made as Daniel Clark replaced Gary Valaydon in the 65th minute to inject fresh legs into the attack.

Valery Jingwa and Harvey Cagney both had shots saved in quick succession during the 66th and 67th minutes, maintaining pressure on the Newhaven defence. However, Newhaven Reserves responded with a spectacular direct free-kick from outside the box in the 72nd minute, levelling the score once more.

Adam Arnold’s wide attempt in the 75th minute was one of the few misses for the Royals in the second half. A further substitution followed as Omar Ebada came on for Sam Copeland in the 77th minute, shoring up the right side of defence.

The Royals regained the lead in the 82nd minute when Daniel Clark finished inside the box with a right-footed strike, assisted by a short pass from Jack Trotter. The same minute saw Newhaven reduced to ten men after a red card for unsporting behaviour, giving Preston a numerical advantage.

Despite the extra man, Preston’s Omar Ebada saw his effort saved in the 88th minute, shortly before Michael Russell replaced Harvey Cagney to bolster the midfield. The closing stages were frantic, with Valery Jingwa and Jake Atherton both having shots saved in the 93rd minute as the Royals pushed for a winner.

In the 96th minute, Steven Anjorin was introduced for Gillan Williams, adding fresh energy to the left side of defence as the match edged towards its conclusion. However, Newhaven Reserves managed to find an equaliser, bringing the final score to 3-3.

The match was a rollercoaster of attacking football, with Dominic Hewitt standing out by scoring twice and contributing significantly in midfield. The defensive unit, despite conceding three, showed resilience, especially after the sending off of the opposition. The referee Steve Ellis officiated the game with authority, ensuring a competitive but fair contest.

Ultimately, Preston Manor Royals left Newhaven Football Club with a hard-fought point in a match that showcased end-to-end action and moments of individual brilliance from both sides.