1’s v Cambridge City 1’s
4-4 (Andy Roud, Ali Charlton x2, Tate Barham)
First Half
Cambridge City started the game at a blistering pace, capitalising on early pressure to score two quick goals and put Stortford immediately on the back foot.
Refusing to let the game slip away, Stortford clawed their way back. Andy ignited the comeback with a superb tomahawk strike, firing the ball past the keeper to make it 2–1. The momentum shifted, and Stortford levelled before halftime when Ali produced a composed upright-reverse finish, pulling the score back to 2–2 and setting the stage for a tense second half.
Second Half
Stortford carried the energy through the break, and Ali struck again, giving the home side a 3–2 advantage with his second of the day.
Cambridge City, however, remained dangerous and punished a defensive lapse to equalise at 3–3.
Stortford responded in style. Freddie’s sharp reverse-stick pick restored the lead, a moment of real quality. A pass to Tate and he took the ball round the keeper and slotted it away. But Cambridge City refused to die off, and in the final minute they found a way through—slotting a push shot into the bottom corner to snatch a dramatic 4–4 draw.
Full Time: Bishop’s Stortford 4–4 Cambridge City
A frustrating finish for Stortford after a tremendous comeback and strong attacking display, but an entertaining eight-goal spectacle that showed grit, quality, and resilience throughout the team.
2s v St Albans 4s 3–3 (Rich Turner, Ossie Bannister, Aaron Watts)
The Men’s 2s earned a valuable point in a competitive 3–3 draw with St Albans 4s. Stortford began positively, moving the ball with purpose and creating several attacking opportunities. Rich Turner opened the scoring with a precise finish following a flowing team move. St Albans hit back with two swift goals before half-time, capitalising on counterattacking situations to turn the game around.
Stortford showed good composure after the break and levelled through Ossie Bannister, who reacted quickest in a crowded D to lift the ball home. Aaron Watts then put the home side ahead with a well-taken strike from the top of the circle. St Albans, however, remained dangerous and equalised late on to secure a share of the points.
3s v Harpenden 2s 3–0
Bishop’s Stortford 3s maintained their excellent form with a convincing 3–0 victory over Harpenden 2s, extending their unbeaten run and moving joint top of the table. Stortford controlled the game throughout, combining disciplined defensive work with sharp attacking play.
Goals from Gregg Pettit and Harry Leonard established a deserved lead, with a third goal arriving from a well-worked team move to secure the win. Stortford were strong across the pitch, limiting Harpenden to very few chances and showing composure in possession in another assured performance.
4s v Royston 2s 6–0 (Vernon Brown x4, Oliver Hartnell, Jeevan Basra)
The Men’s 4s produced a dominant display to defeat Royston 2s 6–0. Vernon Brown was the standout performer, completing a hat-trick before half-time with two goals from penalty corners and another from open play. Stortford’s structured passing and pressure off the ball restricted Royston’s opportunities and created numerous chances at the other end.
In the second half, Stortford continued to dictate the tempo. Jeevan Basra added a fourth goal, Brown extended his tally with a fourth of the match, and Oliver Hartnell completed the scoring with a composed finish. A comprehensive and confident team performance.
5s v Shefford & Sandy 2s 2–7 (James Nash, Will Fox)
Stortford 5s were beaten 7–2 by a clinical Shefford & Sandy side despite a bright start. The hosts struck twice inside five minutes through James Nash and Will Fox, capitalising on early pressure and quick attacking interplay. However, Shefford & Sandy quickly found their rhythm, responding with a succession of goals to lead 5–2 at half-time.
Stortford continued to battle in the second half but were unable to prevent two further goals as the visitors maintained control.
6s v Saffron Walden 6s 1–8 (Matthew Turner)
The Men’s 6s faced a difficult afternoon against a strong Saffron Walden 6s side, falling to an 8–1 defeat. Stortford worked hard throughout but struggled to contain their opponents’ pace and movement in attack. Matthew Turner provided Stortford’s highlight of the match, finishing well from a rare opportunity to get the team on the scoreboard.
