Both teams returned to action for their first games for the 2026.

Credit to both sides on putting on a great game for the 134 spectators that was played at times fiercely but sportingly. The Abbey took the three points despite the Sheers deservedly could have ended with a draw if not by their performance but should have received a penalty in the closing minutes when Ethan Leeks was knocked to the ground from the Sheers corner.

Sheers were denied a goal in the 2nd minute with the visitor’s keeper Richards tipping the ball over the bar from Elliot York’s powerful shot. Sheers without Harvey Valter due to injury gave Seb Rowland the front runner’s shirt but had to leave the field after just 10 minutes pulling a hamstring that allowed Ben Portbury back in the side also back from injury. Abbey’s Danilo Cadete was causing problems down the right side with his crosses that gave the visitors the lead on 12 minutes from Cadete’s great cross into the Sheers area that Dan Bone finished well into the Sheers net. Sheers Aiden Larkin had his fierce shot palmed away by keeper Richards on 17 minutes. Sheers keeper made a double save on 24 minutes, firstly from Ingham-Wright’s bullet of a shot and the follow up from Sarfo. Abbey continued having the ball with Danilo Cadete hitting the Sheers crossbar. On 29 minutes Sarfo breaks through the Sheers lines with Tom Gardner tussling for the ball that was deemed by referee Johnson-Small as no foul on the Abbey player. Sheers Jake Horn wins the ball back and feeds to Elliot York who shoots over the Abbey goal. 31 minutes Aiden Larkin’s cross is knocked onto the Abbey upright by their defender. 33 minutes Ben Portbury turns in the area with a shot that needed more pace to trouble keeper Richards. 34 minutes Abby’s Cadete sends in a cross that Bone scuffs his shot. 35 minutes Sheers George Mackie has his shot saved by Richards. 41 minutes Callum Mackie’s cross is met by Elliot York’s header that is off the target. Abbey press the Sheers with two corners in the closing minutes of the half. Half Time 0-1

Sheers drive forward and are rewarded with a foul outside the Abbey area. Aiden Larkin sends a screamer into the bottom right corner to put the Sheers level for 1-1 from the free kick on 53 minutes. Sheers Archie Lowery makes a good challenge preventing the forward play from Andreou. On 71 minutes. Sheers make a substitution, Larkin (Injured) for Boyden, On a Sheers attack Elliot York is upended to the ground with Abbey swiftly turning the ball up field that the Sheers defender McLaughlin missus the challenge and the ball is whipped across into the Sheers box that substitute Robertson fires past the Sheers keeper to put the Abbey 1-2 up on 74 minutes. Further substitutions for the Sheers Leeks & Acheampong on for Portbury & Bryant.

Sheers pressed for an equaliser but the Abbey defended superbly to keep the Sheers from scoring. In the closing minutes with the Sheers pressing with two corners were denied the penalty that may have given them the draw that they deserved.

Sheers next match at home to Chipstead on Saturday 17th January

Churchwell, Bryant (Leeks 74), Mackie C, Horn, Gardner, Mackie G, Larkin (Boyden 71), York, Lowery, McLaughlin, Rowland (Portbury 10). Portbury (Acheampong (Portbury 74) Unused Suarez GK)