Stoneygate Lion Juniors hosted Hinckley Borough FC U14 Colts at Judgemeadow Community College on 28 September 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a fiercely contested cup tie. The 70-minute encounter saw Stoneygate clinch a narrow 3-2 victory in an entertaining 11-a-side fixture.
Stoneygate deployed a 4-4-1-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking intent. Neo Routledge guarded the goal, protected by a back four comprising Theo Sebastian at right back, central defenders Priyan Purshottam and Harvyn Purewal, and Hamza Mukadam on the left. The midfield line featured Dylan Atkins on the right wing, central duo Javyn Purewal and Veer Purshottam, and Oscar Pickering on the left. Ahead of them, Ivan Frimpong operated as the attacking midfielder, supporting lone striker Will Neilson. The substitutes available were Kabir Sian and Alfie Roberts.
The match began with Hinckley Borough FC taking an early lead in the 10th minute. A defensive lapse from Stoneygate allowed the visitors to capitalise close to goal, with a right-footed finish that gave Routledge no chance. Despite the setback, Stoneygate maintained their shape and looked to respond quickly.
The first half concluded at 35 minutes with Hinckley still ahead, but Stoneygate’s persistence paid off just three minutes later. Ivan Frimpong threaded a precise short pass inside the box to Oscar Pickering, who clinically slotted home with his right foot from close range to level the scores. This goal injected fresh energy into the home side.
Shortly after, tactical changes were made by Stoneygate at the 39th minute mark. Ivan Frimpong was replaced by Kabir Sian, while Oscar Pickering made way for Alfie Roberts. These substitutions aimed to bolster the team’s attacking options and maintain momentum.
The tactical switch bore fruit almost immediately. In the 42nd minute, Kabir Sian flicked the ball expertly into the path of Will Neilson, who volleyed a close-range right-footed strike into the net, putting Stoneygate ahead for the first time. The goal showcased excellent link-up play and clinical finishing.
Stoneygate extended their lead in the second half when Will Neilson converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, following an assist from Dylan Atkins. The penalty was dispatched confidently from close range with his right foot, further cementing Stoneygate’s advantage.
In the 57th minute, an injury forced another substitution as Oscar Pickering returned to the pitch, replacing Javyn Purewal in midfield. This change was necessary to maintain the team’s balance and energy levels.
Hinckley Borough FC refused to lie down and pulled a goal back in the 61st minute through a spectacular solo effort from outside the box. The right-footed strike was a reminder of the visitors’ threat and set up a tense finale.
Throughout the match, Veer Purshottam stood out with his commanding presence in central midfield, dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. His performance earned him the player of the match accolade.
In the end, Stoneygate Lion Juniors held on to their slender lead to secure a 3-2 victory in a pulsating cup encounter. The tactical substitutions, combined with clinical finishing from Neilson and Pickering, proved decisive against a resilient Hinckley Borough FC side.
