In a friendly encounter at the Falmer Sports Complex on 16 August 2025, Preston Manor Royals faced a challenging match against Ringmer AFC II, culminating in a disappointing 1-6 defeat for the home side. The match kicked off at 12:30pm, with referee Steve Hasset overseeing the proceedings.
Preston Manor Royals set up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, which aimed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking play. Ryan Thompson occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four consisting of Sam Copeland on the right, Dominic Hewitt and Yassir Lekbir in central defence, and Gillan Williams on the left. Jake Atherton played as the lone defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively. Ahead of him, Mark Baroni and Valery Jingwa operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting the central striker João Pedro, flanked by Daniel Clark on the right and Michael Serrão on the left.
The substitutes for Preston Manor Royals included Stiven Lopes, Daren Calver, Harvey Cagney, Adrian Bajka, Aziz Can Karan, and Tyler Banting.
The match began with a promising start for the Royals as Mark Baroni opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a well-placed header, giving the home side an early lead. However, the joy was short-lived as Ringmer AFC II equalised just seven minutes later, capitalising on a defensive mistake to score from close range with a right-footed effort.
Following the equaliser, Baroni continued to be a threat, attempting another shot in the 18th minute, but his effort went wide of the target. The Royals made their first substitution in the 25th minute, bringing on Stiven Lopes for Michael Serrão, aiming to inject fresh energy into their attacking play.
As the match progressed, Daren Calver replaced Sam Copeland in the 33rd minute, further altering the dynamics of the Royals’ defence. Lopes had a chance to make an impact shortly after his introduction, but his attempt in the 35th minute sailed high over the bar. João Pedro then had two attempts in quick succession, both saved by the Ringmer goalkeeper, as the Royals sought to regain their lead before half-time.
The first half concluded with the score level at 1-1, but the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Just ten minutes after the restart, Ringmer AFC II took the lead with a goal from inside the box, scored with a left-footed strike. This setback prompted a tactical change for the Royals, as Mark Baroni returned to the pitch, replacing Daniel Clark in the 58th minute.
The visitors extended their lead in the 67th minute with another header, showcasing their aerial prowess. In a bid to change the course of the match, Michael Serrão re-entered the fray, taking the place of Valery Jingwa. However, the Royals struggled to contain the relentless attacking play of Ringmer, who scored again in the 75th minute with a stunning effort from outside the box.
As the match approached its final stages, Ringmer AFC II continued to dominate, adding two more goals within three minutes. The first came in the 80th minute, scored from close range with a left-footed shot, followed by another goal in the 82nd minute, sealing the match with a similar finish.
In the closing moments, the Royals made their final substitutions, bringing on Sam Copeland for Gillan Williams, Aziz Can Karan for Dominic Hewitt, and Tyler Banting for Jake Atherton, but it was too late to alter the outcome. The match ended with a resounding 6-1 victory for Ringmer AFC II, leaving Preston Manor Royals with much to reflect on as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
