In a thrilling encounter at the Falmer Sports Complex on 25 January 2025, Preston Manor Royals showcased their attacking prowess with an emphatic 8-3 victory over Horsted Keynes. The match, which kicked off at 3:00 PM, saw the Royals dominate the game, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Jack Bould took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Sam Copeland on the right, Jake Burton and James Purvis in central defence, and Matt Howard on the left. Dominic Hewitt played as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Daniel Clarke and Jake Nurse operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, while Stiven Lopes, Jaegan Roberts, and Marlon Perrin formed a dynamic front three.
The substitutes for the match included Daren Calver, Reece Coughlan, Aziz Can Karan, and Valery Jingwa, who would later play pivotal roles in the second half.
The match began with an early shock for the Royals as Horsted Keynes took the lead just four minutes in. A stunning strike from outside the area found the back of the net, leaving Bould with no chance. However, the Royals responded swiftly, equalising in the ninth minute when Daniel Clarke headed home from a precise cross delivered by Stiven Lopes.
The momentum shifted firmly in favour of Preston Manor Royals as they took the lead in the 16th minute. Marlon Perrin scored with a delightful lob, assisted by a long pass from Jake Burton. Just two minutes later, Burton himself found the scoresheet, converting a penalty after a foul in the box, extending the Royals' lead to 3-1.
Horsted Keynes managed to pull one back in the 27th minute with a well-executed set piece, but the Royals were relentless. Jaegan Roberts restored the two-goal cushion in the 34th minute, finishing off a short pass from Lopes inside the box. The first half concluded with an own goal from a Horsted Keynes defender in the 40th minute, bringing the score to 5-2 at the break.
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions for the Royals, starting with Daren Calver replacing Sam Copeland in the 66th minute. Just two minutes later, Reece Coughlan came on for Marlon Perrin. Calver made an immediate impact, scoring in the 71st minute with a right-footed shot after receiving a long pass from Burton.
As the match progressed, Aziz Can Karan and Sam Copeland entered the fray, replacing James Purvis and Dominic Hewitt respectively in the 74th minute. The Royals continued to dominate, with Jaegan Roberts netting his second goal of the match in the 78th minute, again assisted by Lopes.
Valery Jingwa was introduced in the 79th minute, taking the place of Jake Nurse. The Royals' scoring spree continued as Reece Coughlan added to the tally in the 84th minute, converting a short pass from Jingwa to make it 8-2.
Horsted Keynes managed a consolation goal in the 88th minute, with a solo effort that showcased their determination despite the scoreline. The match concluded with a resounding 8-3 victory for Preston Manor Royals, a testament to their attacking flair and teamwork.
Jake Burton's performance was particularly noteworthy, earning him the Player of the Match accolade for his contributions both defensively and offensively. The Royals will take great confidence from this commanding display as they look to build on their success in the league.
