Stoke Mandeville U11 Stags Navy picked up their first win of the competitive season with a 2-1 home victory against Ruislip Rangers Blue today (17.11.24).

After tasting a narrow – and late – defeat against Prestwood seven days earlier, the Stags made a fast start against Ruislip – a team they were matched up against for the very first time.

Dominating the ball, the Stags took a deserved lead mid-way through the first half when Junior Makombe picked up the ball just outside the area, took a couple of steps forward and expertly unleashed a low shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance.

Ruislip responded well to going a goal behind and enjoyed a good spell of pressure as the half drew to a close, but they couldn't find the breakthrough they needed to draw level.

The Stags' half-time team talk focused on trying to get an early second half goal to create a buffer over Ruislip, and Mason D'Cruz duly stepped up to deliver. The winger found the back of the net with a looping shot a handful of minutes into the second period to make it 2-0 to the home side.

Ruislip continued to push and threw caution to the wind in the closing stages as they put more defenders into the box at set pieces. They got their reward with a neat finish late to reduce the deficit, but it wasn't enough. The Stags safely saw the remainder of the game out to secure a deserved victory.

Player of the Week
Harry Loveday – showed some excellent skills on the left wing, driving forward and trying to create opportunities for his team-mates.