On 20th July 2025, Sporting AFC faced off against Rainham Royals in a friendly match held at Baysgarth School, kicking off at 10:30 am. In a closely contested battle, Sporting AFC succumbed to a narrow defeat, with the final score reading 2-3 in favour of the visitors.
Sporting AFC lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Callum Fletcher took his position in goal, shielded by a trio of defenders: Jack Douce on the right, Arron Cobb in the centre, and Liam Doncaster-Carpenter on the left. The midfield was anchored by Joe Toplass and Reegan Scott in central roles, with Jack Kirkby and Dylan Base providing width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Jamie Hollingsworth and Daniel Alexander operated as forwards, with Aiden Barley leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes for the match included Ryan Gardiner, Sam Taylor, Jake Spouge, John Thorn, Jack Sefton, and Billy Leaning.
The match began with an energetic start, and it was Sporting AFC who struck first. Joe Toplass found the back of the net in the 21st minute, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Aiden Barley, sending the home supporters into raptures. However, the joy was short-lived as Rainham Royals responded just five minutes later, equalising in the 26th minute to level the score at 1-1.
As the first half progressed, Sporting AFC made a couple of tactical substitutions in the 35th minute, introducing Ryan Gardiner for Daniel Alexander and Sam Taylor for Dylan Base. The changes seemed to invigorate the side, and just a minute later, Ryan Gardiner scored to put Sporting AFC back in front, again assisted by Aiden Barley.
Yet again, the lead was fleeting as Rainham Royals struck back just before half-time, netting their second goal in the 44th minute to bring the score to 2-2 as the teams headed into the break. The first half concluded with both teams locked in a gripping contest, leaving the outcome hanging in the balance.
The second half saw immediate changes for Sporting AFC, with Jake Spouge replacing Reegan Scott, John Thorn coming on for Aiden Barley, and Jack Sefton taking over from Liam Doncaster-Carpenter, all within the first minute of the half. However, the Royals seized the momentum, scoring their third goal in the 58th minute, taking a 3-2 lead and putting Sporting AFC under pressure.
Sporting AFC continued to battle, making further substitutions in the 65th minute as Daniel Alexander replaced Joe Toplass, followed by Dylan Base coming on for Jack Kirkby in the 66th minute. The home side pressed for an equaliser, but despite their efforts, they were unable to convert their chances.
In the 76th minute, Jamie Hollingsworth made way for the returning Liam Doncaster-Carpenter, while Reegan Scott replaced Jack Kirkby in the 83rd minute. Aiden Barley also re-entered the fray, taking the place of Billy Leaning, but the clock was against Sporting AFC as they sought to level the score.
Despite a spirited performance and several promising attacks, Sporting AFC could not find the back of the net again, and the match concluded with Rainham Royals celebrating a hard-fought victory. Aiden Barley stood out as the Player of the Match, showcasing his skill and determination throughout the encounter.
