18/05/2026
Match of the Day: The Isuzu FA Vase
AFC Stoneham 0 v 0 Cockfosters Football Club
AFC Stoneham Win 4-2 on Penalties.
Wembley belonged to AFC Stoneham as 'The Purps' lifted the The FA Vase after an unforgettable penalty shootout victory over Cockfosters FC.
In front of a fantastic crowd under the famous Wembley arch, both sides produced a performance worthy of the occasion. Stoneham started brightly and almost opened the scoring midway through the first half when a flowing move involving Lewis Nagle and Tyrrell Sampson created a huge chance for Duarte Martins, only for a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Jandir Da Cruz to deny him.
Cockfosters responded well and looked dangerous throughout, with Kendall Gyamfi coming close before the break after racing through on goal. The second half brought even more drama as both teams struck the crossbar within minutes of each other — Gyamfi’s effort looping onto the bar for the Fosters before Martins headed against the woodwork for Stoneham.
As the game entered the final stages, the intensity only grew. Connor Sansom produced a stunning close-range save to deny Nagle and keep Cockfosters level, while Stoneham keeper Callum Lee remained calm whenever called upon.
After 90 minutes couldn’t separate the two sides, under the greatest pressure. Callum Laycock, Jake Thomson, Tom Annetts, Max Jessop and Tyrrell Sampson all converted confidently, while Lee became the hero by saving Adam Hastings’ effort low to his left.
That left Junior Moses needing to score to keep Cockfosters alive — but his penalty flew over the bar, sparking emotional scenes
For Stoneham, the victory completes a truly incredible season, adding FA Vase glory to their Wessex Football League title in a remarkable double-winning campaign.
Cockfosters may have suffered heartbreak at the end, but their journey to Wembley and their fourth-place finish in the Spartan South Midlands League — alongside reaching the play-off final — represents a season the entire club can be immensely proud of.
