In a commanding display at the Falmer Sports Complex on 16 November 2024, Preston Manor Royals secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Willingdon Athletic in their latest league encounter. The match kicked off at 3:00pm, and the Royals showcased their attacking prowess, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace throughout the contest.
Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Jack Bould occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back four comprising Daren Calver and Gillan Williams as right and left defenders, respectively, with Adam Arnold and Jake Burton forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Daniel Clarke operated on the right, with Matt Howard and Jake Nurse in central and left midfield roles, while Mark Baroni and Stiven Lopes took up positions as right and left attacking midfielders, supporting lone striker Jaegan Roberts.
The substitutes for the match included Reece Coughlan, Valery Jingwa, Sam Copeland, George Mathai, and Aziz Can Karan, who would later play pivotal roles as the match unfolded.
The Royals started brightly, with Jake Nurse testing the Willingdon defence early on, but his effort in the seventh minute went wide of the target. Just two minutes later, Daniel Clarke had a chance to put his side ahead, but his shot was saved by the Willingdon goalkeeper. Mark Baroni also had an opportunity in the tenth minute, but his attempt also missed the mark, indicating a promising start for the home side.
The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when Stiven Lopes scored a stunning volley, expertly assisted by Matt Howard's long pass. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the match, as the Royals began to assert their dominance.
Jaegan Roberts doubled the lead in the 37th minute, converting a close-range effort after receiving a short pass from Mark Baroni. The Royals were in control, and despite a saved attempt from Daniel Clarke just before half-time, they went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half saw immediate changes for the Royals, with Reece Coughlan replacing the injured Mark Baroni in the 51st minute. Shortly after, Valery Jingwa came on for Jake Nurse, and Sam Copeland replaced Daren Calver, as the Royals looked to maintain their momentum.
In the 55th minute, Jaegan Roberts struck again, scoring his second goal of the match with a left-footed shot from close range, assisted by Gillan Williams. Just three minutes later, Roberts completed his hat-trick, netting another close-range effort, again set up by Williams, putting the Royals firmly in control at 4-0.
Willingdon Athletic struggled to respond, with Reece Coughlan's attempts in the 62nd and 65th minutes both saved, while George Mathai, who came on for Daniel Clarke in the 63rd minute, also saw his effort thwarted.
As the match progressed, further substitutions were made, with Aziz Can Karan replacing Adam Arnold in the 72nd minute and Daniel Clarke returning to the pitch in the 77th minute, taking over from Matt Howard, who had been instrumental in the Royals' midfield.
Despite the changes, the Royals maintained their grip on the game, and the referee, Steven Baker, brought the match to a close after 94 minutes, confirming a comprehensive victory for Preston Manor Royals. The performance was highlighted by the standout display of Matt Howard, who was named Player of the Match for his influential role in midfield and his assist for the opening goal.
