Stroud United Res Rally To Overcome AFC Renegades 4-1 Away

Stroud United Res travelled to Roberts Road, Innsworth #1 on 25 October 2025 for a 2:30pm kick-off in a league away fixture against AFC Renegades. The visitors emerged with a convincing 4-1 victory after overturning an early deficit to dominate the second half.

Deploying a 4-1-2-3 formation, Stroud United Res set up with Daniel Parker in goal, protected by a back four of Gary Cook at right back, Ben Brown and Ben Abbott as central defenders, and Jason Wright on the left. Chay Jones operated as the lone defensive midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and recycling possession. Ahead of him, Caine Hopkins and Jamie Marriott took up the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, expected to link midfield and attack with creativity and width. The front three featured Alex Castle on the right wing, Marshall Stokes leading the line as striker, and Jack Wells on the left, all charged with stretching the opposition defence and providing goal threat. The bench included Oscar Fairfax, Tom Florek, Kenny Smith, Alex White, and Dan Wrenn.

The match began with AFC Renegades taking the lead just before half-time, scoring in the 41st minute to put Stroud United Res on the back foot. Despite this setback, the visitors remained composed and looked to their formation to regain control after the break.

Stroud United Res responded emphatically in the second half, with Jamie Marriott equalising in the 60th minute, demonstrating his attacking midfield prowess by finding the net to restore parity. Just five minutes later, Chay Jones unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, described as a screamer, to put Stroud United Res ahead and ignite their momentum.

The 70th minute saw a flurry of substitutions as Stroud United Res made four changes simultaneously. Oscar Fairfax replaced Alex Castle on the right wing, Tom Florek came on for Jack Wells on the left, Kenny Smith took over from Ben Abbott in central defence, and Alex White substituted Ben Brown in the other central defensive role. These changes injected fresh energy into the side.

Only two minutes after the substitutions, Marshall Stokes extended the lead with a goal in the 72nd minute, reaffirming his role as the focal point of the attack. Shortly after scoring, Stokes was replaced by Dan Wrenn in the 73rd minute, allowing the striker to rest after his contribution.

Stroud United Res sealed their dominant performance with a late goal from substitute Tom Florek in the 89th minute, capping off a comprehensive turnaround and securing a 4-1 victory.

Throughout the match, Caine Hopkins stood out as the player of the match, his influence in midfield pivotal in both defensive duties and creating opportunities for his teammates. His work rate and vision were instrumental in Stroud United Res’s comeback and eventual triumph.

In summary, Stroud United Res overcame an early deficit to deliver a commanding second-half display at Roberts Road, Innsworth #1, showcasing tactical discipline and attacking flair in a 4-1 league victory over AFC Renegades.