The Vocal FC faced Thorplands Club 81 PUMAS in a pulsating league away match at Southfields Playing Field on 5 October 2025, kicking off at 10:30am. The match ended in a high-scoring 5-3 victory for The Vocal FC after a frantic 90 minutes plus injury time.
The Vocal FC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Jon Noka guarded the goal, supported by a back four consisting of Owen Baker at right defender, Sean Fitzgerald and Stena Lovatt as central defenders, and Shane Jones on the left. In midfield, Stena Lovatt Jnr and Daniel Oates operated as the two central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, Kevin Ward took the attacking midfielder role, linking midfield and attack. The front three featured Harry Foster on the right, Rhys Morgan leading as the striker, and Aimene Mehennaoui on the left forward position, expected to stretch the opposition defence and provide goal threats. The substitutes available were Charlie Lovell, Tom Garrett, and Robert Lovatt.
Thorplands Club 81 PUMAS struck early, taking the lead in the 7th minute to unsettle The Vocal FC. However, the visitors responded swiftly as Harry Foster equalised in the 15th minute, expertly set up by a precise pass from central midfielder Stena Lovatt Jnr. The momentum continued to swing The Vocal FC’s way when Rhys Morgan doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, finishing clinically after a well-timed assist from central defender Sean Fitzgerald, who had ventured forward.
The first half ended with The Vocal FC holding a 2-1 advantage, having weathered the early storm and then asserted themselves through quick, incisive attacking play.
The second half burst into life immediately with Aimene Mehennaoui scoring right after the restart in the 46th minute, capitalising on a neat assist from Daniel Oates. Just three minutes later, Rhys Morgan added his second goal of the game, extending the lead and putting The Vocal FC firmly in control. Morgan was again on the scoresheet in the 54th minute, completing his hat-trick with a finish set up by Daniel Oates, who was proving to be a vital creative force in midfield.
Shortly after Morgan’s third goal, The Vocal FC made their first substitution in the 56th minute, with Charlie Lovell replacing Sean Fitzgerald in central defence, perhaps to freshen up the backline and maintain their lead.
Despite the commanding scoreline, Thorplands Club 81 PUMAS fought back and pulled a goal back in the 76th minute, signalling a potential comeback. The Vocal FC responded with a second substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Tom Garrett for the prolific Rhys Morgan, who had done his job with a superb hat-trick.
In the 80th minute, The Vocal FC made their final substitution, with Robert Lovatt coming on for right forward Harry Foster, looking to hold the advantage and manage the closing stages.
Thorplands Club 81 PUMAS struck again in stoppage time at 92 minutes, narrowing the deficit to 5-3, but it was too little too late as The Vocal FC held firm to secure the victory.
This thrilling encounter showcased The Vocal FC’s attacking prowess and resilience, with Rhys Morgan’s hat-trick and the contributions of Daniel Oates and Stena Lovatt Jnr proving decisive in overcoming a spirited Thorplands Club 81 PUMAS side.
