In a commanding display at Huggetts Lane Recreation Ground on 9th November 2024, Preston Manor Royals triumphed over Willingdon Athletic with a resounding 4-1 victory in their cup away match. The Royals showcased their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, securing their place in the next round of the competition.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Jack Bould took his position in goal, while a back four comprised of Sam Copeland on the right, Adam Arnold and Jake Burton in central defence, and Gillan Williams on the left provided a sturdy foundation. In midfield, Daniel Clarke operated on the right, with Dominic Hewitt and Jake Nurse in central and left midfield respectively, supporting the attacking trio of Danny Grafton and Stiven Lopes, who flanked striker Reece Coughlan.
The substitutes for the match included Jaegan Roberts, Daren Calver, and Mark Baroni, who would later play pivotal roles as the game unfolded.
The match began with an early foul by Dominic Hewitt, who tripped an opponent in the second minute, setting the tone for a fiercely contested encounter. Stiven Lopes followed suit with a holding foul in the fifth minute, as both teams sought to assert their dominance. Jake Nurse's late tackle in the 13th minute further illustrated the physical nature of the match.
As the game progressed, Daniel Clarke made a significant impact with a long pass in the 14th minute that created a chance for Reece Coughlan, whose attempt was saved. Gillan Williams then showcased his defensive skills with a tackle in the 15th minute, ensuring the Royals maintained their composure at the back.
Willingdon Athletic began to find their rhythm, with a series of fouls disrupting the flow of play. Adam Arnold's late tackle in the 29th minute resulted in a penalty for the opponents, but the Royals remained resolute. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Stiven Lopes, assisted by Daniel Clarke, executed a brilliant lob from outside the box, finding the back of the net with his right foot.
However, just before half-time, Willingdon Athletic struck back with a header from close range in the 44th minute, leaving the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half commenced with renewed energy, and just two minutes in, Danny Grafton restored the Royals' lead in the 47th minute, converting a cross from Stiven Lopes with a precise finish inside the box. Reece Coughlan continued to threaten, but his attempts in the 56th and 89th minutes went wide, showcasing the Royals' persistent attacking intent.
In the 58th minute, Dominic Hewitt made a crucial block, while Gillan Williams intercepted a dangerous pass in the 61st minute, demonstrating the Royals' defensive resilience. A substitution was made in the 67th minute as Jaegan Roberts replaced the injured Danny Grafton, a change that would prove fruitful.
Jaegan Roberts made an immediate impact, scoring in the 71st minute with a close-range effort, assisted by Adam Arnold's header. The Royals were now firmly in control, leading 3-1.
As the match drew to a close, Jake Nurse's attempt in the 85th minute was saved, but the Royals continued to press. In stoppage time, Reece Coughlan capped off a stellar performance by scoring the fourth goal in the 92nd minute, heading in a cross from Dominic Hewitt.
With the final whistle, Preston Manor Royals celebrated a convincing 4-1 victory, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive strength, while Willingdon Athletic were left to ponder their missed opportunities. The Royals now look forward to the next round of the cup, buoyed by this impressive performance.
