In a commanding display at the Falmer Sports Complex on 28th September 2024, Preston Manor Royals overwhelmed Lancing United with a staggering 8-0 victory in a cup match. The Royals showcased their attacking prowess, with multiple players getting on the scoresheet and a solid performance from their defence, ensuring a thorough domination throughout the encounter.
Preston Manor Royals adopted a 4-3-2-1 formation for this match, allowing for a strong defensive line of two central defenders flanked by a right and left defender. Sam Copeland occupied the goalkeeping position, shielding the net behind a back four comprising Daren Calver on the right, Gillan Williams on the left, and central defenders Jake Burton and Adam Arnold. In midfield, Tyler Banting operated centrally, with George Mathai on the right and Valery Jingwa on the left. The attacking trio included Danny Grafton and Mark Baroni supporting lone striker Marlon Perrin.
The substitutes for the match included Matt Howard, Aziz Can Karan, and Dominic Hewitt, who would later contribute as needed.
As the match commenced, Gillan Williams was quick to test the Lancing United defence, sending a high attempt in the third minute. Marlon Perrin followed suit just a few minutes later, forcing a save from the Lancing goalkeeper with a shot in the sixth minute before sending another ball high over the bar in the seventh minute. Showcasing his playmaking skills, Perrin provided a slide rule key pass in the ninth minute, creating a chance that ultimately went wide from Mark Baroni.
The pressure from the Royals continued as George Mathai and Danny Grafton both had attempts that went wide, signalling the relentless attacking intent of the home side. It was only a matter of time before they found the net, and the breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Valery Jingwa scored off a short pass from Gillan Williams, marking a well-executed team move.
As the first half progressed, Jingwa nearly added to his tally in the 35th minute, but his shot was saved. The 39th minute saw Marlon Perrin double the lead with another team move, this time finishing with his left foot after receiving a short assist from Grafton. Just before the half-time whistle, Mark Baroni added a spectacular third goal in the 44th minute, hitting a screamer from a cross supplied by Daren Calver.
The first half ended with the Royals commanding a 3-0 lead, and the team emerged from the break with no intentions of easing off. Danny Grafton initiated the second half with a saved attempt just two minutes in. In the 50th minute, Marlon Perrin scored his second goal of the match with a powerful header from a cross by Daren Calver, extending the lead to 4-0.
Sam Copeland made a crucial save, tipping a shot over the bar in the 57th minute, demonstrating the Royals’ resilience at the back. Adam Arnold made a timely clearance in the 58th minute to ensure Lancing United remained at bay. However, Lancing’s Daren Calver found himself offside in the 48th minute due to a mistimed run, although this was deemed a correct decision.
The scoring continued as Marlon Perrin completed his hat trick in the 60th minute, scoring from inside the box with a flick assist from Danny Grafton. With the score now at 5-0, Preston Manor Royals were in complete control.
Following a flurry of attempts that did not find the net, including shots saved and one hitting the post by George Mathai, Preston brought on substitutes in the 64th minute, introducing Matt Howard for Baroni. Adam Arnold had an attempt that went wide before a corner led to another goal in the 75th minute, with Arnold himself scoring a header from a Danny Grafton assist, making it 6-0.
In the 75th minute, Aziz Can Karan replaced Jake Burton, and shortly after, Danny Grafton and George Mathai combined for another goal in the 80th minute, as Grafton scored from inside the box with a right-footed flick. Grafton wasn't finished yet; he netted again in the 84th minute, further highlighting the Royals’ dominance.
The match concluded with an emphatic 8-0 scoreline, solidifying Preston Manor Royals' place in the next round of the cup and showcasing their attacking depth and defensive solidity. George Mathai's outstanding performance was instrumental in this victory, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
