Match Report: Ringmer AFC 1-0 Rotherfield

Pre-Season Friendly | Saturday 18 July 2026 | Caburn Community Stadium

Rotherfield continued their preparations for the new season with a competitive second pre-season friendly, narrowly losing 1-0 away to Ringmer AFC in warm conditions at the Caburn Community Stadium.

With several new faces making their debuts, it proved to be another valuable outing of the summer. Callum Gallie impressed at the heart of the defence, while Ed Handford slotted into midfield and Finlay McLeod led the line. Elliot Cole also made his first appearance for the club, featuring in an advanced midfield role during the second half.

The hosts started brightly and controlled the opening exchanges, creating a couple of early sights of goal as Rotherfield adapted to the quick 4G surface. The warm lunchtime conditions, combined with the pace of the pitch, led to a few misplaced touches as the visitors looked to settle into the contest.

As the half wore on, Rotherfield grew into the game and became increasingly difficult to break down. Sam Saunders was influential in midfield, helping his side retain possession and launching several promising attacks.

Ringmer's best chance of the opening period arrived after 35 minutes when a powerful effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Gurney. Rotherfield's best opportunity came from a set piece, with Saunders delivering an inviting corner that Jack Turner met well, only to see his header drift over the bar.

The second half provided further opportunities for players to gain valuable minutes, with Owen Ridley, Jacob Prince and Jack Birdsall all introduced, while Kieran Sumner replaced Gurney in goal at the interval.

The decisive moment came on 70 minutes when Ringmer's quality finally told. Will Craig collected possession on the edge of the area before curling an excellent finish beyond Sumner's left-hand side and into the corner of the net.

Rotherfield continued to battle and fashioned a couple of half-chances in the closing stages, but were unable to find an equaliser as Ringmer held on to claim the victory.

Despite the narrow defeat, it was another productive pre-season workout, with plenty of encouraging performances, valuable minutes in the legs and several debutants showing promising signs as preparations continue ahead of the new campaign.