Stoneygate Lion Juniors Secure 3-1 Win Over Croft Juniors

Stoneygate Lion Juniors hosted Croft Juniors 2013 U14 Diamonds at Judgemeadow Community College on 9 November 2025, with kick-off at 11:05am in a league fixture. The 70-minute contest ended 3-1 in favour of Stoneygate Lion Juniors, who demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility to claim 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, central defenders Priyan Purshottam and Hugo Harding, and Hamza Mukadam on the left. The midfield four featured Will Neilson on the right wing, Alfie Roberts and Harvyn Purewal centrally, and Kabir Sian on the left. Just behind the lone striker Isaac Liburd, Javyn Purewal operated as the attacking midfielder. This setup was designed to provide width and midfield solidity, with Javyn supporting Isaac up front. The substitutes named were Dylan Atkins, Veer Purshottam, and Oscar Pickering.

The match burst into life early as Stoneygate took the lead in the fifth minute. Isaac Liburd delivered a precise long pass from outside the box, which found Will Neilson inside the penalty area. Neilson controlled the ball and fired a right-footed finish past the Croft Juniors goalkeeper, setting the tone for the home side’s attacking intent.

Just two minutes later, Stoneygate were forced into an early change when Javyn Purewal went off injured, replaced by Dylan Atkins. Despite this disruption, the home team maintained their momentum.

Croft Juniors responded well and managed to level the score in the 20th minute. Their goal came from close range inside the box, finished with the left foot, signalling their intent to fight back and not be overrun by Stoneygate’s early dominance.

Shortly after conceding, Stoneygate made another substitution due to injury, with Veer Purshottam coming on for central defender Priyan Purshottam in the 21st minute. Two minutes later, Kabir Sian was replaced by the returning Javyn Purewal, also due to injury concerns, which meant the home side had to adapt quickly to personnel changes in midfield and defence.

The home side regained the lead in the 33rd minute through Isaac Liburd, who capitalised on a long pass from right back Theo Sebastian. Liburd’s close-range right-footed strike restored Stoneygate’s advantage and gave them a psychological boost heading towards half time.

The first half concluded at the 35-minute mark, with Stoneygate leading 2-1. Immediately after the break, tactical substitutions began as Oscar Pickering replaced Will Neilson in the 36th minute, aiming to refresh the right midfield position.

At the 45-minute mark, Harvyn Purewal was substituted off for Kabir Sian, signalling a tactical reshuffle in midfield to maintain energy and control. Shortly into the second half, Hugo Harding was replaced by Priyan Purshottam at centre back in the 50th minute, further adjusting the defensive line.

In the 53rd minute, Will Neilson returned to the pitch, replacing Dylan Atkins, indicating a tactical switch to reinstate Neilson’s attacking threat on the right flank.

The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Will Neilson scored his second goal of the match. Receiving a long pass from substitute Priyan Purshottam inside the box, Neilson calmly finished with his right foot from close range, sealing a 3-1 victory for Stoneygate Lion Juniors.

Throughout the match, Stoneygate’s ability to adapt to injuries and tactical changes proved crucial. Their 4-4-1-1 formation allowed them to maintain defensive solidity while providing attacking outlets through the wings and the support of the attacking midfielder behind the striker.

The victory at Judgemeadow Community College was a testament to Stoneygate Lion Juniors’ resilience and tactical discipline, ensuring they secured vital league points against a determined Croft Juniors 2013 U14 Diamonds side.