Preston Manor Royals Edge Past Ringmer AFC II In Thrilling 3-2 Victory

On 15 November 2025, Preston Manor Royals hosted Ringmer AFC II at the Falmer Sports Complex in a league encounter that kicked off at 3:00pm. The Royals emerged victorious in a pulsating 3-2 contest after 98 minutes of action, much to the delight of the 23 spectators present. Referee Peter Izard oversaw the match with commendable control throughout.

Preston Manor Royals lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Adrian Bajka in goal. The defensive line consisted of Sam Copeland at right back, Adam Arnold and Dominic Hewitt as central defenders, and Gillan Williams on the left flank. Matt Howard operated as the holding central midfielder, shielding the back four. Ahead of him, Daniel Clark took up the right attacking midfield role, with Valery Jingwa on the left. The front three featured Jake Atherton on the right wing, Carlton Najomo leading the line as striker, and Marlon Perrin on the left wing. On the bench, Stiven Lopes and João Pedro Miranda awaited their chance to influence proceedings.

The match began with an early setback for the Royals as Ringmer AFC II struck inside the opening four minutes. A close-range finish with the right foot inside the box gave the visitors a swift lead, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive encounter. Preston Manor Royals responded quickly, with Marlon Perrin testing the opposition keeper with a high attempt in the eighth minute. However, moments later, Perrin was incorrectly flagged offside despite a well-timed defensive intervention from Ringmer.

Valery Jingwa was caught offside legitimately in the 12th minute following a mistimed run, halting a promising Royals attack. Carlton Najomo then forced the Ringmer goalkeeper into a save at the 13-minute mark, signalling the Royals’ intent to fight back. The pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Marlon Perrin rose highest to head home a corner expertly delivered by Matt Howard, levelling the score at 1-1.

The Royals’ attacking threat continued, but Perrin was again ruled offside correctly in the 18th minute. Carlton Najomo remained a constant menace, twice testing the goalkeeper with saved attempts at the 20th and 25th minutes, while Jake Atherton also saw a shot saved at the same time. Valery Jingwa’s effort went wide shortly after, as Preston Manor pushed for a second goal.

Adrian Bajka was called into action in the 26th minute, producing a full-stretch save followed immediately by a point-blank reaction stop to deny Ringmer a second goal. Despite Bajka’s heroics, Ringmer regained the lead two minutes later with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, struck with the right foot, making it 2-1.

The first half concluded with the Royals trailing but undeterred. Early in the second half, Marlon Perrin’s shot was saved again, and Valery Jingwa fired wide shortly after the restart. The Royals made their first substitution in the 61st minute, with Stiven Lopes replacing Daniel Clark to inject fresh energy into the right attacking midfield position.

Just four minutes after coming on, Lopes made an immediate impact by scoring an inside-the-box goal, expertly finishing with his right foot from a cross by Carlton Najomo to level the match at 2-2. The Royals continued to press, with Matt Howard’s attempt saved in the 68th minute and Dominic Hewitt firing high two minutes later.

The momentum swung further in Preston Manor’s favour in the 70th minute when Valery Jingwa headed home a close-range effort, assisted by Stiven Lopes’ precise cross, putting the Royals ahead 3-2. Bajka maintained composure with a confident catch at 72 minutes, preserving the lead.

Carlton Najomo remained a threat, forcing another save in the 74th minute. Ringmer AFC II received a yellow card for persistent infringements in the 76th minute, reflecting the physical nature of the contest. Lopes had a high attempt go over the bar at 79 minutes, and Najomo created a clear chance with a slide-rule pass at 82 minutes, which Jingwa could not convert as his shot was saved.

Lopes then fired wide in the 83rd minute before the Royals made their final substitution at 85 minutes, with João Pedro Miranda replacing the tiring Najomo. Valery Jingwa was cautioned with a yellow card in the 92nd minute for an unspecified offence.

In the closing stages, Marlon Perrin’s effort was saved once more at 95 minutes, but Preston Manor Royals held firm to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Stiven Lopes was deservedly named player of the match for his decisive contributions after coming off the bench, including a crucial goal and an assist.

This thrilling encounter showcased Preston Manor Royals’ resilience and attacking prowess, as they overturned an early deficit to claim all three points in a tightly contested league fixture.