⚽️ Mistry
⚽️ Payne
⚽️ Capp

🅰️ McNamee

A spirited second-half display secured a 3-2 home win to launch the 2026/27 campaign. First half goals from Hiran Mistry and Dave Payne and a delightful strike from distance in the second half from Ruben Capp sealed the win in a hard-fought contest against Fosse Athletic.

The hosts began brightly, creating several early chances down the flanks. Dave Payne was a constant threat on the right, linking effectively with Jacob Blount on his competitive debut, while deadline-day arrival Jasper Clarke impressed with some sharp early touches, including an audacious lofted pass that nearly set Payne away for the opening goal.

The breakthrough came from a well-worked team move. Tidy interplay between Payne, Ruben Capp and Blount freed Will McNamee, who teed up Hiran Mistry for a crisp strike from the edge of the box that beat the advancing goalkeeper.

Payne doubled the lead just minutes later. Mistry’s free-kick was deflected into his path, and the unmarked forward adjusted quickly to fire home from close range for 2-0.

Eager to press their advantage, the hosts at times became too direct in attack, leaving gaps at the back. Fosse capitalised, first pulling a goal back to build momentum, then equalising ten minutes later through a direct “Route One” move: goalkeeper to target man, on to a runner in behind, level at 2-2.

After the break, the CSKA regrouped. Using possession to dominate, looked more compact defensively, and showed strong discipline as midfielders tracked back to support the back line.

The decisive moment arrived when Ruben Capp,  produced a delicate weaker-footed effort that floated beautifully over the keeper to restore the lead at 3-2.

From there, the team worked tirelessly. Substitutes provided the energy boost needed to see the game out. Blount nearly marked his debut with a goal after a superb Theo Grant pass into the box, only to see his effort blocked on the line and gathered by the keeper.

Fosse were reduced to ten men late on but continued to compete fiercely, requiring a couple of important saves from goalkeeper Ben Lewin to preserve the advantage.

The closing stages were more nervy than ideal, with several counter-attacking opportunities spurned in the search for a fourth goal.