Stoneygate Lion Juniors Secure 2-0 Victory At Dovecote Pavilion

Stoneygate Lion Juniors travelled to Dovecote Pavilion on 14 December 2025 to face AFC Barwell U14 Comets in a league away fixture, kicking off at 10:30am. The 70-minute contest ended in a 2-0 triumph for Stoneygate, with Will Neilson netting both goals to secure all three points.

Stoneygate Lion Juniors lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, deploying Neo Routledge in goal. The defensive line consisted of Theo Sebastian at right back, Priyan Purshottam and Alfie Roberts as central defenders, and Hamza Mukadam on the left flank. The midfield four featured Dylan Atkins on the right wing, central midfielders Harvyn Purewal and Kabir Sian, and Javyn Purewal operating on the left. Isaac Liburd played just behind the lone striker, Will Neilson, tasked with leading the attack. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity with a balanced midfield and support for the striker through Isaac’s creative role. The substitutes named for the match were Veer Purshottam, Oscar Pickering, Will Fay, and Ivan Frimpong.

The match began with Stoneygate asserting control through midfield possession and probing the AFC Barwell defence. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Javyn Purewal delivered a precise long pass into the box, finding Will Neilson who calmly finished with his right foot from close range. This opener was a testament to the attacking link-up between the left midfielder and the striker, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Just eight minutes later, Stoneygate doubled their advantage. Hamza Mukadam, operating from left back, cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Neilson inside the penalty area. The striker made no mistake, slotting home a close-range tap-in with his right foot. This goal highlighted the attacking intent of the full-back and the striker’s sharpness in the box.

The first half concluded at the 35-minute mark with Stoneygate comfortably ahead 2-0. Immediately after the interval, the manager made a series of tactical substitutions to refresh the side and maintain momentum. Veer Purshottam replaced central midfielder Harvyn Purewal, Oscar Pickering came on for right midfielder Dylan Atkins, Will Fay took over from left defender Hamza Mukadam, and Ivan Frimpong substituted for left midfielder Javyn Purewal. These changes aimed to sustain the team’s energy and defensive stability while continuing to press for further goals.

Throughout the second half, Stoneygate Lion Juniors maintained control, managing the game effectively and denying AFC Barwell any meaningful chances. The defensive quartet, supported by the midfield, ensured a clean sheet was kept, while the attacking players remained a constant threat on the break.

In the end, Stoneygate’s disciplined performance and clinical finishing secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory on the road. Will Neilson’s brace was the highlight, supported by key contributions from the full-backs and midfielders. This result will boost Stoneygate Lion Juniors’ confidence as they continue their league campaign.