In a friendly encounter at Batchelors Field on 30 August 2025, Preston Manor Royals faced a challenging match against Wivelsfield Green, ultimately succumbing to a 5-1 defeat. The Royals started brightly but were unable to maintain their early momentum, leading to a disappointing outcome.
The Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, which featured Ryan Thompson in goal, supported by a back four consisting of Sam Copeland and Gillan Williams as the right and left defenders, respectively, while Mohamed Hegazy and Adam Arnold occupied the central defensive roles. In front of them, Jake Atherton played as a central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking trio included Valery Jingwa and Chay Burt on the right and left flanks, respectively, with Stiven Lopes and Daniel Clark providing support to striker João Pedro at the forefront.
Substitutes for the match included Harvey Cagney, Daren Calver, Aziz Can Karan, and Keir Standing, who would later play crucial roles in the game as the match unfolded.
The match began with an electrifying start for the Royals, as Stiven Lopes scored a stunning goal just three minutes in, converting directly from a corner kick with his right foot from outside the box. This early lead, however, was short-lived. Wivelsfield Green responded aggressively, equalising in the 16th minute with a long-range direct free-kick that found the back of the net, leaving Thompson with no chance.
The visitors continued to apply pressure, and by the 23rd minute, they had taken the lead with a goal from inside the box, again using their right foot to finish clinically. The Royals struggled to regain their composure, and in the 32nd minute, Wivelsfield Green struck again, extending their lead with another close-range effort.
As the first half progressed, Chay Burt attempted to spark a revival for the Royals in the 26th minute, but his effort was saved, highlighting the growing frustration for the home side. The Royals were forced into an early substitution in the 38th minute when João Pedro had to leave the pitch due to injury, paving the way for Harvey Cagney to enter the fray.
The half-time whistle blew with the score at 3-1, and the Royals needed a significant turnaround to salvage the match. The second half began with a tactical change as Aziz Can Karan replaced Mohamed Hegazy in the 50th minute, aiming to bolster the midfield.
Despite their efforts, the Royals struggled to create clear-cut chances. Harvey Cagney had an attempt in the 56th minute that went wide, while Jake Atherton followed suit with a high shot just a minute later. Daniel Clark managed to test the Wivelsfield Green goalkeeper in the 58th minute, but his effort was saved, further compounding the Royals' woes.
Wivelsfield Green capitalised on their dominance in the 63rd minute, scoring a spectacular lob from outside the box that left Thompson helpless. The visitors were relentless, and in the 74th minute, they were awarded a penalty, which they converted with ease, bringing the score to 5-1.
In the 69th minute, Keir Standing came on to replace Gillan Williams, but the changes could not stem the tide of Wivelsfield Green's attacking prowess. The match concluded with the Royals left to reflect on a disappointing performance, having conceded five goals while only managing to score once.
This friendly encounter served as a stark reminder for Preston Manor Royals of the challenges they face as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures, with lessons to be learned from their heavy defeat against Wivelsfield Green.
