Preston Manor Royals travelled to Eastbourne Sports Park on 13 September 2025 for a league away fixture against Welcroft Park Rangers, kicking off at 2:00pm. The Royals emerged emphatically victorious with a 4-1 scoreline in a match lasting 95 minutes plus injury time, under the watchful eye of referee Steve Hanmer.
Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Preston Manor Royals set up with Adrian Bajka in goal, protected by a back four comprising Daren Calver at right back, Dominic Hewitt and Adam Arnold as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left. Matt Howard anchored the midfield in a holding role, providing stability ahead of the defence. Ahead of him, Valery Jingwa operated on the right attacking midfield flank while Musa Omar took up the left attacking midfield position. The forward line featured Daniel Clark on the right, Marlon Perrin leading as the central striker, and Harvey Cagney on the left. The substitutes named for the Royals were Sam Copeland, Mike Serrão, Stiven Lopes, Mark Baroni, and Tyler Banting.
From the outset, Preston Manor Royals showed intent, with Valery Jingwa testing the Welcroft Park Rangers’ goalkeeper early on in the second minute, only to see his effort saved. Jingwa remained lively, though his second attempt in the 14th minute drifted wide. Harvey Cagney also threatened on the left, forcing saves in the 17th and 25th minutes, while Marlon Perrin’s attempts in the 19th and 30th minutes narrowly missed the target. Even Adam Arnold ventured forward, attempting a shot in the 20th minute that went wide.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Harvey Cagney delivered a precise cross from the left, allowing Valery Jingwa to slot home with his left foot inside the box. The Royals’ lead was short-lived, however, as Welcroft Park Rangers responded with a stunning screamer from outside the box in the 39th minute, struck with power on the right foot to level the scores.
As the first half drew to a close, Marlon Perrin forced another save just before the break, ensuring the Royals remained on the front foot. The half ended with the teams locked at 1-1.
The second half began with Preston Manor Royals pushing forward again. Valery Jingwa’s early attempt in the 48th minute went wide, and Adam Arnold’s shot in the 52nd minute also failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Goalkeeper Adrian Bajka was called into action in the 54th minute, making a crucial dive at the feet of an onrushing opponent to keep the scores level.
Shortly after, the Royals made a double substitution at the 56th minute mark, bringing on Mike Serrão for Musa Omar and Sam Copeland for Daren Calver. This fresh injection of energy paid dividends just two minutes later when Valery Jingwa doubled Preston Manor Royals’ lead. Receiving a short pass from Marlon Perrin, Jingwa expertly finished with his left foot following a well-worked team move.
Adrian Bajka continued to impress between the sticks, making two vital catches in quick succession at the 69th minute to deny Welcroft Park Rangers any hope of a comeback. The Royals made a further change at the 70th minute, with Stiven Lopes replacing Daniel Clark in attack.
Harvey Cagney remained a constant threat, forcing another save in the 71st minute, though Jingwa’s effort in the 79th minute sailed high over the bar. As the match approached its final stages, Preston Manor Royals made two more substitutions in the 85th minute, with Mark Baroni coming on for Harvey Cagney and Tyler Banting replacing Valery Jingwa.
The Royals sealed their dominant performance with two late goals. Adam Arnold rose highest to head home a close-range corner delivered by Mike Serrão in the 89th minute. Moments later, Stiven Lopes unleashed a spectacular screamer with his right foot in the 90th minute, leaving the opposition goalkeeper with no chance.
Marlon Perrin had one last attempt in injury time but saw his shot drift wide, as Preston Manor Royals comfortably secured a 4-1 victory.
Matt Howard’s commanding presence in midfield was instrumental throughout the contest, earning him the player of the match accolade. His ability to shield the defence and distribute effectively allowed the Royals to control the tempo and dominate proceedings.
In summary, Preston Manor Royals’ tactical discipline, combined with clinical finishing and resolute defending, ensured a comprehensive win at Eastbourne Sports Park, extending their strong league form away from home.
