This weekend gone on the Moneys matchday squad list, saw another 2 new names, as well as a first time starter and the return to Moneys on loan of Ciaran Martin from Pompey’s Academy.

Ciaran had started the season with a brief loan to Isthmian Premier League side Chichester City, but only made 3 appearances for the West Sussex team. After Martin’s incredibly successful 2024/25 season at Moneyfields, I suspect Moneyfields Director of Football Glenn Turnbull, has been calling Pompey as much as PPI claims agents used to call all of us.

Fellow Pompey loanee, Tayo Singerr said on Martin returning, “Everyone in the group is genuinely buzzing to have you back with us at Moneyfields – it already feels like a huge lift for the whole squad.”

The ’Ginger Maldini’ as I nicknamed him, was put straight back into the starting XI by Moneys Manager Callum Glen on Saturday, and boy was it noticeable. Money’s had been undoubtedly right sided in attack so far this season. Combinations often involving Louis Gates and Rudi Blankson down the right, had been causing havoc for most oppositions so far this season.

Ciaran’s impact was noticeable within 10 minutes when he crossed a pinpoint ball in for Max Smith, but sadly the former Winchester midfielder couldn’t connect as he’d have liked. Martin was later involved in the penalty that Tayo won, feeding the ball into Tayo, as well as many other positive moves and overlaps down the left wing.

Martin returns on a 6 week loan which should see him available for as many as 8 more games in an incredibly busy spell for Moneys across October and November.

Making his first start for Moneys on Saturday after 2 substitute appearances previously, was Simba Mlambo. Simba made his debut against his former side Bognor Regis Town back on September 16th, coming on mere seconds before Louis Gates wondergoal winner in the 73rd minute. He then made a further sub appearance where he came on in the 58th in the home loss to Egham. Binfield marked his first start in the 11, coming in for the injured Rudi Blankson, and he showed his worth with a great finish in the 50th minute to give Moneys the lead.

Simba combined well Louis Gates for large periods of the game and showed why he was brought into the club. In the Binfield game, Mlambo made a knack of getting out of trouble well, holding off defenders and holding the ball up well. Despite his smaller stature, his body placement around the ball to shield it, was fantastic.

Making his return debut for Moneys also was Max Smith. The former AFC Portchester and Winchester City man was absolutely fantastic in the centre of midfield. Playing confidently moving forward but also getting stuck in and winning the ball back plenty of times, Smith was a real nuisance to Binfield. On his signing, Callum Glen said, “he’s an aggressive and robust midfielder who possesses real quality in possession. A leader on the pitch who will also get the best out of the players around him.”

The final of the recent signings from last week was Jack Lumsden who had previously been at Jersey Bulls, having made 4 appearances for them already this season. Lumsden came on after around 75 minutes to replace Faris Khallouqi, in what was more of a change of shape. Plenty more to be seen from the defensive midfielder I’m sure, who can also slot back into defence as well. “He’s calm and controlled in possession. Reads the game well and has great physical attributes that also makes him a good option at centre back,” said Callum Glen.