Stony Stratford Town 0 v 2 Redbourn Rovers

Saturday 22nd August 2026, Kick-15.00

Spartan South Midlands League Division Two

Ostlers Lane, Stony Stratford

Admission: £5.00

Programme: None

Attendance: 65

A match report can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below

Stony's league campaign began with defeat as two first-half goals handed league newcomers Redbourn Rovers all three points.

The visitors started brightly and applied pressure from the outset. Although Stony initially held firm, Redbourn's attacking intent was relentless and the home side struggled to gain a foothold in the game. The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark when Redbourn got in behind down the right. A low cross passed across the six-yard box was turned home from close range.

Just a few minutes later, Redbourn doubled their advantage with a remarkably similar move. A lofted ball over the defence released the visitors on the right, and the cut-back was scuffed home from close quarters to make it 2-0.

Stony gradually began to grow into the contest before the interval. Lucas caused problems down the flank and delivered a couple of dangerous crosses into the area, but with nobody able to apply the finishing touch, the hosts lacked a cutting edge in attack. Dan Rothwell was cautioned for kicking the ball away in frustration, and a late Redbourn free-kick, clipped the crossbar.

The second half saw a much-improved Stony performance. The hosts played with greater energy and purpose, taking the game to their opponents, although clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium. In truth, aside from the two goals, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested throughout the match, with both comfortably dealing with tame efforts and gathering through balls confidently.

Despite a far better second-half display, Stony were unable to find a route back into the game and ultimately fell to an opening-day defeat. Attention now turns to tomorrow evening's trip to face Winslow Development.

Man of the Match: Tom Meijer

Westfield 3 v 0 Shoreham

Tuesday 18th August 2026, Kick-off 19.45

Southern Combination League Division One

Community Stadium, Westfield

Admission: £6.00

Programme: £1.00

Attendance: 139

A match report can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below.

Video highlights can be viewed by clicking here

Westfield 3-0 Shoreham

Westfield got their league campaign up and running under the lights with a convincing 3-0 victory over Shoreham, putting in a controlled and energetic performance ahead of this weekend’s trip to Guildford City.

The Westies welcomed Michael Rwabigwi back into the fold after missing the entirety of pre-season, while Dan Tewkesbury also returned following illness.

Westfield started brightly, with Rwabigwi and Brad combining well down the right before a dangerous cross was expertly blocked just as Brad looked set to tap home. The majority of Westfield’s early attacking threat came down Rwabigwi’s side, with the returning winger looking a constant menace to the Shoreham defence.

In midfield, Buckley and Ward marshalled the centre of the park, allowing Pritchard to roam freely, starting attacks and moving the ball with purpose. Ward was next to test the Shoreham goalkeeper following a neat interchange between Pritchard and Kent, but his effort was well tipped over the bar.

Buckley then saw an effort blocked from the edge of the area before Shoreham’s lively number 11 created an opening for himself with some excellent footwork. Robertshaw was equal to the effort, tipping it away to keep the visitors at bay.

After 15 minutes, Tewkesbury had the best chance of the game so far. Dancing in from the left, he got his shot away at the near post, only for the Shoreham keeper to make an excellent save with his feet.

By now, Westfield were building up a real head of steam. Rwabigwi and Tewkesbury both went close from acute angles, while Shoreham continued to pose a threat on the break. Their number 11 again tested Robertshaw, who produced another good save to tip the effort wide and keep the scores level.

The breakthrough finally came after 26 minutes.

Pritchard won possession on the halfway line before embarking on a superb run, taking on four Shoreham players as he drove towards the box. A fortunate bounce off a Shoreham defender opened up the opportunity, but Pritchard still had plenty to do, toe-poking the ball home from 12 yards.

Westfield 1-0 Shoreham.

The goal brought an extra swagger to the Westies, who began knocking the ball around nicely in the forward areas. Ridgers and Harvey both fired wide from the edge of the box as Westfield looked to extend their advantage.

Shoreham remained dangerous, though, and a long, bouncing ball left Robertshaw stranded. Ridgers produced an excellent piece of defending to clear the danger from his own six-yard line and preserve Westfield’s lead going into the break.

Half-time: Westfield 1-0 Shoreham

The second half began in much the same manner, with Westfield continuing to look the more threatening side. G Murphy struck over on the volley before Tewkesbury fired high and wide from 13 yards after the Shoreham goalkeeper had handled a backpass.

As the game progressed, however, it began to fizzle into something of a midfield battle under the lights. Westfield enjoyed the lion’s share of possession without really threatening the Shoreham goal, while the visitors continued to look for opportunities on the counter.

Despite their efforts, Shoreham were unable to properly test Robertshaw in the Westfield goal.

With nine minutes remaining, Westfield finally found the second goal their dominance deserved.

Rwabigwi did brilliantly to create the opening, providing the opportunity for Tewkesbury to finish from close range and make it 2-0. It was a well-earned reward for Rwabigwi, whose return to the side had been a constant source of danger throughout the evening.

And just two minutes later, it was game, set and match.

Pritchard delivered an excellent cross into the danger area, and Tewkesbury was on hand once again to finish the move and complete his brace.

Westfield 3-0 Shoreham.

The final whistle confirmed a strong opening league victory for the Westies. While there were periods where Westfield could have been more clinical in front of goal, the overall performance was one of control, energy and composure, with the clean sheet providing an added bonus.

A welcome three points gets Westfield up and running in the league, and attention now turns to a trip to Guildford City at the weekend as the Westies look to build on an encouraging start.

Charlton Athletic 2 v 1 Derby County

Saturday 15th August 2026, Kick-off 15.00

EFL Championship

The Valley, Charlton

Admission: Season Ticket

Programme: £6.00 (including annual handbook)

Attendance: 21,539 (3,057 away)

A match report can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below

Video highlights can be viewed by clicking here , or extended highlights by clicking here

Campbell nets winner as Addicks beat Derby

Charlton 2 Derby County 1

There was opening-day delight for the Addicks in the Sky Bet Championship as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Derby County at The Valley on Saturday afternoon. 

Tyreece Campbell continued his fine start to the season by making it two goals in two games, firing home the winner in front of the Covered End after Lloyd Jones had cancelled out Sammie Szmodics' first-half opener for the visitors.

Charlton got the game under way in SE7 and had their first corner inside the first minute. Sonny Carey swung the ball into the box, that was met by Billy Koumetio, who headed narrowly wide of the target.

Karlan Grant tried his luck from range shortly after, but his effort was well gathered by Jacob Widell Zetterström. 

The away side turned up the tempo mid-way through the first half, as Sammie Szmodics had a shot from inside the box, but his effort was smothered by Will Mannion.

Derby continued to cause trouble for the Addicks’ defence as Carlton Morris found his way beyond the defence and into the box. He fed the ball through to Szmodics, who slotted it home past Mannion to give the Rams the lead on 23 minutes. 

As the clock ticked towards half-time, Tyreece Campbell had a shot on goal that was parried away by the Derby goalkeeper. The ball fell into the path of Danny McNamara who unleashed a goalbound effort. Charlie Taylor produced a huge block to deny the defender from levelling the scoring.

Campbell began to cause problems down the left-hand side and did well to get beyond his man, before firing his shot directly at Zetterström at the near post.

Carey had a claim for a penalty kick just before the break, but it was waved away by the referee. The ball found its way back to Campbell who was fouled on the edge of the area and the Addicks couldn’t make anything of the subsequent free kick and went into half-time trailing 1-0.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Charlton had a stellar opportunity to draw themselves level. Nathaniel Chalobah rose highest to meet Carey’s corner, but he glanced the ball wide of the target.

Moments later, McNamara denied Derby a second goal, as he produced an excellent block to thwart Oscar Fraulo’s shot.

Nathan Jones made a double change to his side on 59 minutes, as Miles Leaburn and Millenic Alli entered the fray in place of Godden and Carey. 

Sondre Langås was shown a yellow card on the hour mark after being penalised for a lengthy shirt pull on Campbell.

The Addicks began to ask more questions of the Rams as they searched for an equaliser. Chalobah poked the ball out to Grant out wide, who lifted a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Skipper Jones was there to head the ball home in front of a packed out Covered End, to bring the home side level on 61 minutes.

The gaffer made another change with just over a quarter of an hour to play. Joe Rankin-Costello was brought on in place of Grant, who registered 100 appearances for the Addicks on his return to The Valley.

Meanwhile, produced a fine stop on 75 minutes to keep out Fraulo’s volley.

Rankin-Costello produced a lovely through ball that set Leaburn on his way and through on goal. The striker did superbly to hold the ball up and bide his time in the box until support arrived. He set up Campbell who smashed the ball beyond Zetterström, to give Charlton a well-deserved lead. 

Derby made a quadruple change in response as they tried to salvage a result. 

Nathan Jones made his final changes to the side in the latter stages, as Collins Sichenje and Ivan Mesík were introduced in place of Chalobah and McNamara. 

Eight minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of the 90. Alex Mowatt was then booked for a foul on Alli, as the Addicks continued to push on. 

Morris had the chance to bring Derby level at the death, but his effort was deflected out for a corner that came to nothing. Rhian Brewster then found himself in the book for dissent after a foul on Amari’i Bell.

Charlton held firm to see out the win and kick-start their Championship campaign with three points on the board, which was no less than Jones' side deserved. 

The Addicks return to action next weekend, making the short trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United.

Charlton: Mannion; McNamara (Mesík 85), Jones (c), Koumetio, Bell; Coventry, Chalobah (Sichenje 85); Campbell, Carey (Alli 59), Grant (Rankin-Costello 74); Godden (Leaburn 59)

Subs (not used): Brooks, Mwamba, Knibbs, Apter

Goals: Jones 61, Campbell 80

Assists: Grant 61, Leaburn 80

Derby County: Zetterström; Ward, Forsyth (Brewster 84), Sanderson, Langås; Taylor; Fraulo (Blackett-Taylor, 84), Travis (Salvesen 84), Clark, Ward (Johnston 84); Szmodics (Mowatt 53)

Subs (not used): Vickers, Nyambe, Bilbija, Eames

Goal: Szmodics 23

Assist: Morris 23

Booked: Langås 60, Mowatt 90, Brewster 90+8

Referee: Benjamin Speedie

Attendance: 21,539 (3,057 away supporters)

Easington Colliery 3 v 2 Whitley Bay

Wednesday 12th August 2026, Kick-off 19.30

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay

Welfare Park, Easington Colliery

Admission: £7.00

Programme: None

Attendance: 164

A match report from a Whitley Bay perspective can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below

Video highlights can be viewed by clicking here

Stoppage time heartbreak as Bay exit FA Cup

EMIRATES FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND REPLAY

EASINGTON COLLIERY 3 WHITLEY BAY 2

WEDNESDAY 12th AUGUST 2026

Report by Julian Tyley

Two stoppage time goals turned this game on its head as Whitley’s hopes of a lucrative FA Cup run were dashed on a warm summer’s evening at Easington. As on Saturday, when the game at Hillheads ended in a 3-3 draw, this was a closely contested cup tie with the goals continuing to flow in an enthralling contest on the Durham coast.

Whitley’s injury ravaged squad performed exceptionally well in the first half and they continued to battle away after the interval scoring a second goal and leading 2-0 with just 20 minutes to go. Crucially though, with only one fit substitute available, they ran out of legs in the closing stages and the hosts capitalised, making full use of their five substitutes to snatch a dramatic late victory.

Adding to an already lengthy injury list, four of Saturday’s starting eleven, Kieren Aplin, Graham Williams, Mackenzie Sharpe and Mikel Thompson were all ruled out of the game, Alan Achuo and Hugo McNicol starting alongside the returning Alfie Livermore and Jake Jensen.

After a fairly quiet opening, Whitley began to impose themselves on the game and after 15 minutes, Nathan Nkunku got a shot on target but keeper Marrs saved comfortably at the near post. Five minutes later, Nkunku’s effort from the edge of the box took a deflection and went behind for a corner.

Following a long ball downfield an attempted lob shot by Easington comfortably cleared the bar but it was Whitley who were looking the better side and they deservedly took the lead on the half hour.

Brady’s throw in on the right reached Livermore who played it through to Jake Forster, who advanced to the byline while defender Eltringham appealed in vain for offside. Forster, playing in an attacking role in this game, then rolled the ball across the face of goal where Lennox Magalhaes slotted it home from close range.

Whitley looked in control of the game while Easington’s only attempt was a speculative shot that flew well over the bar. Nkunku and Magalhaes both looked lively when Bay pressed forward and at the interval Whitley were good value for their lead.

After the break, Easington made three substitutions in an attempt to turn the game around and they certainly looked more lively in the opening stages, with Whitley having to soak up the pressure. Within a minute, Stanton forced a low save from Leech, then ten minutes after the restart the home side forced a series of five corners but each time Whitley defended them well before a header went well off target.

Just past the hour mark, good work by Brady attacking the right side of the Easington box resulted in the ball falling for Nkunku and from 20 yards he rifled a great shot just inside the near post to give Whitley a two goal lead.

Easington now made a fourth substitution and there were signs of Whitley beginning to tire. A free kick for the home side crashed off the bar and the ball was eventually cleared but when it was played upfield again into the box it was not cut out and Adamson poked it home to give the Colliers renewed hope with 20 minutes still to play.

A blow for Whitley came five minutes later when Jake Forster picked up an injury and despite receiving treatment was unable to continue so Scott McCarthy came off the bench to take his place up front.

Whitley were being forced back in defence but were coping well with Easington struggling to get attempts on target. In a break to the other end, Jensen worked his way through the home defence but his shot while on target, lacked the power to trouble Marrs.

It was looking as if Whitley might hold on for victory but with the game entering stoppage time, substitute Pearn forced Leech to push the ball wide at the near post and when the corner was played in from the right, Agnew came in unmarked and his downward header rebounded high into the net to level the score.

Urged on by their fans, the Colliers pressed forward in search of a winner and four minutes into added time, it came in stunning style, a volley from well outside the box by another substitute Liam Cooke flying into the top corner of the net giving Leech no chance.

Whitley refused to give up, pushing forward in hope of an equaliser and in the eighth added minute, Livermore was brought down just outside the left edge of the box. With what turned out to be the last action of the game, Magalhaes sent the free kick wide and the referee blew the final whistle to spark celebrations among the home players and their fans.

It was a heart breaking way to go out of the cup but a creditable and battling performance by every one of the Bay side.

WHITLEY BAY: Leech, Brady, Achuo, Forster(McCarthy 75mins) McNicol, Scott, Magalhaes, Shilling, Nkunku, Livermore, Jensen

Cautions: Livermore, McNicol, Magalhaes

Referee: Andrew Elliott

Attendance: 164