Introduction

After a three-week enforced break due to abandoned fixtures, Arundel Football Club, affectionately known as “The Mullets”, returned to action with an away match at Selsey. The game took place on a gloriously sunny winter’s day, setting the stage for an eventful and completive contest.

Team News

Arundel were significantly depleted, missing skipper Steve Herbert and Levi Martin in defence, as well as in-form strikers Harry Russell and Sam Pearson owing to suspension and holidays. This provided an opportunity for Henry Breden, Cal Stobart, and Matt Storm to enter the starting line-up, supported by a notably youthful bench of, Tyler Pickering, Harry Dynan, Jack Spinks and Joe Kinsman, Zac Bignell— a testament to the club’s thriving youth development policy.

Pre-Match Context
Earlier in the season, Arundel had defeated Selsey 3-1 at home. However, Selsey had since found impressive form, climbing the table and presenting a more formidable challenge. Arundel were aware that a top performance would be required to secure a result.

First Half

Arundel started the match energetically, with an early breakthrough coming courtesy of Liam Brady, who finished coolly from outside the box after excellent hold-up play by Henry Breden. Goalkeeper Maciek Kason was instrumental in preserving the 1-0 lead, making a series of impressive saves. Arundel could have further extended their lead, with chances falling to Matt Storm, Sam Conolly, and Brady, but the score remained 0-1 to the Mullets at half-time.

Second Half Drama

The second half proved highly eventful. Matt Storm doubled Arundel’s advantage with a well-struck effort from outside the box, making it 0-2. Arundel appeared to be in control until two controversial refereeing decisions resulted in the dismissals of Liam Brady and Ollie Claydon (Ollie Claydon’s Rescinded via appeal), leaving the team with just nine men on the pitch. The Arundel players and travelling supporters were left bewildered by these decisions.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage for the final 23 minutes plus eight minutes of stoppage time, Arundel’s energy, tenacity, and unity shone through. Selsey capitalised on their advantage and reduced the deficit with a long-range effort twelve minutes from time. In response, Arundel introduced young substitutes Joe Kinsman and Jack Spinks, both of whom contributed crucial tackles and energy to help see out the result.

Full-Time and Aftermath

The final whistle was met with relief and exhaustion, as several Arundel players collapsed to the turf after a monumental collective effort. Arundel were deserved winners, with several stand-out performances, and Matt Storm was narrowly named man of the match.

The victory lifts The Mullets to fifth in the table, with games in hand over the four sides above them. After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, hopes are high that this could be the campaign in which Arundel go one better. The season, however, remains long and challenging.

Next up for Arundel is a home fixture against Jarvis Brook FC, who currently occupy tenth position in the league.

Summary

• Arundel returned to action after a three-week break, missing several key players.
• The team adapted well, with youth players stepping up and contributing significantly.
• Goals from Liam Brady and Matt Storm gave Arundel a 2-0 lead before two red cards placed them under immense pressure.
• Despite being reduced to nine men, Arundel displayed resilience and teamwork to secure a 2-1 win.
• The Mullets move up to fifth in the table, with optimism building for the remainder of the season.
• Next match: Home against Jarvis Brook FC (10th in the table).