In a captivating friendly encounter at East Grinstead Sports Club on 20 August 2025, Preston Manor Royals and Smallfield played out an exhilarating 4-4 draw. The match, which kicked off at 7:30pm, saw both teams display attacking flair and resilience, resulting in a thrilling spectacle for the small crowd of ten in attendance.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking prowess. Adrian Bajka took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Sam Copeland on the right, Adam Arnold and Dominic Hewitt in central defence, and Gillan Williams on the left. Matt Howard operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking play and supporting both defence and attack. Ahead of him, Jake Atherton and Harvey Cagney occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Stiven Lopes and João Pedro flanked striker Marlon Perrin, who led the line. The substitutes for the match included Daniel Clark, Chay Burt, Mike Serrão, Aziz Can Karan, and Tyler Banting.
The match began with an early attempt from Marlon Perrin, who fired wide within the first minute, signalling the Royals' intent. However, it was Jake Atherton who broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, scoring from close range with his left foot after a well-worked move inside the box. The Royals were buoyed by this early goal, but Smallfield responded with a long-range strike that found the back of the net in the 26th minute, equalising the score.
The game continued to ebb and flow, and just six minutes later, Smallfield took the lead with another goal from inside the box, leaving the Royals trailing. In response, Preston Manor Royals made a double substitution in the 30th minute, bringing on Daniel Clark and Chay Burt for João Pedro and Harvey Cagney, hoping to inject fresh energy into their attack.
As the first half drew to a close, the Royals struggled to find their rhythm, and the half-time whistle blew with Smallfield leading 2-1. The second half commenced with a spirited effort from Daniel Clark, whose attempt was saved just after the restart. The Royals made another substitution in the 50th minute, with Aziz Can Karan replacing Dominic Hewitt, aiming to bolster their midfield presence.
The match took another twist in the 62nd minute when Smallfield scored again, extending their lead to 3-1. However, the Royals were not to be outdone, as Matt Howard struck back just a minute later with a stunning goal from outside the box, reducing the deficit to 3-2. The momentum shifted once more when Smallfield scored their fourth goal in the 65th minute, a lob that left Bajka with no chance.
With the score at 4-2, Preston Manor Royals refused to capitulate. In the 74th minute, Aziz Can Karan found the net from close range, following a clever flick assist from Matt Howard, bringing the score to 4-3. The Royals continued to press for an equaliser, but attempts from Adam Arnold and João Pedro were either saved or went wide.
In a dramatic finale, Adam Arnold scored a header from a corner delivered by Matt Howard in the 90th minute, completing the comeback and securing a thrilling 4-4 draw for Preston Manor Royals. The match showcased the determination and fighting spirit of both teams, leaving fans eager for their next encounter.