In a commanding display, Preston Manor Royals secured a decisive 4-1 victory against Willingdon Athletic in their league away match at Eastbourne Sports Park on 10 May 2025. The match kicked off at 1:30pm, and the Royals showcased their attacking prowess, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.
Preston Manor Royals adopted a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to maximise their offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Ryan Thompson started in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Daren Calver on the right, Adam Arnold and Dominic Hewitt in central defence, and Gillan Williams on the left. Matt Howard played as a central midfielder, providing a link between defence and attack, while Jake Nurse and Valery Jingwa operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Up front, Danny Grafton, Marlon Perrin, and Daniel Clark formed a dynamic attacking trio, each tasked with exploiting spaces in the Willingdon defence.
The substitutes for the match included Adrian Bajka, Tyler Banting, and Aziz Can Karan, who would later play a role in the unfolding drama.
The match began with Willingdon Athletic taking an early lead in the 17th minute, as they capitalised on a defensive lapse to score from close range with a right-footed effort inside the box. This setback seemed to galvanise the Royals, who responded just three minutes later. Jake Nurse found the back of the net with a well-placed right-footed shot, equalising for Preston Manor Royals and shifting the momentum in their favour.
As the first half progressed, both teams battled for control, but the Royals' confidence grew following their equaliser. The half concluded with the score level at 1-1, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
The Royals came out with renewed energy after the break, and it didn't take long for them to take the lead. In the 50th minute, Daniel Clark scored with a right-footed shot, assisted by Valery Jingwa, who delivered a precise short pass to set up the goal. Just four minutes later, Jingwa himself got on the scoresheet, converting from close range with his left foot to extend the Royals' lead to 3-1.
Willingdon Athletic struggled to respond, and the Royals continued to dominate. In the 66th minute, Marlon Perrin added a fourth goal for Preston Manor, finishing expertly with his left foot after receiving a short pass from Daniel Clark. This goal effectively sealed the match for the Royals, who were now firmly in control.
As the match approached its final stages, Preston Manor made their first substitution, bringing on Tyler Banting for Jake Nurse in the 66th minute. Later, in the 77th minute, Aziz Can Karan replaced Marlon Perrin, allowing the Royals to maintain their attacking threat while managing their squad.
The match concluded with a resounding 4-1 victory for Preston Manor Royals, a result that highlighted their attacking capabilities and solidified their position in the league. The referee's performance was commendable, ensuring a fair contest throughout the match. The Royals will take great confidence from this performance as they look to build on their success in the coming fixtures.
