Warlingham First 1 vs 0 Preston Manor Royals

Preston Manor Royals travelled to Warlingham Sports Club on 26 September 2026 for a cup away tie against Warlingham First, kicking off at 2:00pm. The match stretched to 96 minutes including added time, with the Royals ultimately succumbing to a 1-0 defeat. Referee Richard Reynolds oversaw the contest, which was witnessed by a modest crowd of 24.

Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a back four of Sam Copeland at right defender, Albert Collings and Daniel Clark as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left. Shielding the defence was Dominic Hewitt in a central midfield holding role, while Michael Russell and Valery Jingwa operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively. Leading the line was Jordan Rudwick as the striker, flanked by Gary Valaydon on the right forward position and Jake Atherton on the left forward. The substitutes named were Harvey Cagney, Luke Hendy, Mike Serrão, and Jack Trotter.

The Royals started brightly, with Valery Jingwa testing the Warlingham goalkeeper inside the opening minute, his effort rattling the crossbar and signalling intent. The early pressure was met with resilience from the home side, but Preston’s goalkeeper Ryan Thompson was called into action on several occasions throughout the first half. At 26 minutes, Thompson produced a full stretch save to deny a threatening attempt, keeping the Royals in the contest.

Defensively, Albert Collings was a pillar of strength, blocking a clear chance at 28 minutes and later making a crucial tackle at 54 minutes, although that particular challenge did not prevent a scoring opportunity. Sam Copeland also contributed defensively with a tackle at 37 minutes, though it did not stop the opposition’s momentum. Thompson’s goalkeeping heroics continued with a confident catch at 32 minutes and a vital parry at 36 minutes, ensuring the Royals remained on level terms.

Just before half-time, a tactical change saw Harvey Cagney replace Michael Russell at 45 minutes, signalling a shift in approach as the teams headed into the break with the score goalless.

The second half began with renewed efforts from Preston, with Valery Jingwa’s attempt at 49 minutes being blocked by the Warlingham defence. However, the deadlock was broken at 53 minutes when Warlingham First scored from close range inside the box with a left-footed finish, putting the Royals behind on the road.

Preston responded immediately, with Jake Atherton firing wide just a minute later, and Albert Collings again involved defensively with a tackle at 54 minutes. The Royals made further substitutions to chase an equaliser: Luke Hendy came on for Gillan Williams at 58 minutes, followed by Mike Serrão replacing Sam Copeland at 63 minutes, and Jack Trotter entering for Gary Valaydon at 70 minutes.

Ryan Thompson remained a key figure, pulling off another full stretch save at 67 minutes to keep the deficit to a single goal. The match saw a flurry of disciplinary action, with a Warlingham player receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle at 67 minutes. Preston’s Daniel Clark was booked for a bad tackle at 86 minutes, while further cautions were shown to an opponent at 89 minutes and to Harvey Cagney at 91 minutes.

Offensively, Dominic Hewitt’s effort was saved at 71 minutes, and Jordan Rudwick had a high shot at 75 minutes before Thompson comfortably caught the ball at 76 minutes. Valery Jingwa’s attempt was saved at 77 minutes, and Luke Hendy’s shot went wide at 85 minutes. Rudwick’s late effort at 93 minutes also missed the target, as the Royals pushed hard but could not find a way back.

Despite their best efforts and a solid defensive display led by Albert Collings, who was deservedly named player of the match, Preston Manor Royals were unable to overturn the narrow deficit. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Warlingham First, bringing the Royals’ cup run to an end on this occasion.