In a thrilling league encounter at the Falmer Sports Complex on 18 January 2025, Preston Manor Royals secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Buxted. The match, which kicked off at 3:00 pm, showcased the Royals' attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, ultimately leading them to a well-deserved win.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a sturdy defensive structure. Jack Bould occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Daren Calver on the right, Jake Burton and Adam Arnold as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left. In front of them, Dominic Hewitt played as the central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Matt Howard on the right, Valery Jingwa on the left, and the dynamic duo of Reece Coughlan and Kevin Wokabi leading the line.
The substitutes for the match included Daniel Clarke, Stiven Lopes, Jaegan Roberts, James Purvis, and Jake Nurse, providing depth and options for the Royals as the game progressed.
The match began with an early scare for the Royals as Reece Coughlan was flagged offside in the fourth minute, a decision that was deemed correct following good defending from Buxted. Just a minute later, Marlon Perrin attempted to break the deadlock but his shot went wide, signalling the Royals' intent to dominate the game.
In the 16th minute, the Royals finally found their rhythm when Matt Howard capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, scoring from close range with his right foot. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the first half, as the Royals continued to press forward.
Reece Coughlan doubled the lead in the 27th minute, finishing expertly with his left foot from inside the box, showcasing the Royals' attacking fluidity. The home side's dominance was further emphasised when Marlon Perrin added a third goal in the 36th minute, volleying home a cross from Valery Jingwa, leaving the Buxted defence scrambling.
Despite the Royals' commanding performance, Buxted managed to create a few chances, with Gillan Williams making a crucial defensive header in the 32nd minute to prevent a potential goal. Kevin Wokabi's effort in the 34th minute was saved, while Coughlan and Jingwa also had attempts thwarted before the half-time whistle blew, leaving the score at 3-0.
The second half saw a change for the Royals as Daniel Clarke replaced Matt Howard in the 58th minute. The game continued with both teams exchanging attempts, but it was Daren Calver's shot in the 59th minute that went wide, illustrating the Royals' ongoing pressure.
In the 67th minute, Stiven Lopes came on for Reece Coughlan, adding fresh legs to the attack. Lopes had a chance shortly after, but his effort sailed high over the bar. The Royals' defence remained resolute, with Gillan Williams making an interception in the 73rd minute to deny Buxted a clear opportunity.
As the match approached its final stages, further substitutions were made, with Jaegan Roberts replacing Kevin Wokabi in the 74th minute, followed by James Purvis and Jake Nurse coming on for Gillan Williams and Valery Jingwa respectively in the 79th minute.
However, the match took a turn in the 84th minute when Jake Nurse received a yellow card for persistent infringements. The situation worsened for the Royals in the 85th minute when Jake Burton's late tackle resulted in a penalty for Buxted. The visitors converted the penalty in the 86th minute, scoring their only goal of the match and reducing the deficit to 3-1.
In the dying moments of the game, Jaegan Roberts struck the post in the 92nd minute, while Marlon Perrin's attempt also went high, but the Royals held on to secure the victory.
With this win, Preston Manor Royals showcased their attacking flair and defensive solidity, with Reece Coughlan earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his influential performance. The Royals will look to build on this momentum as they continue their league campaign.
