Royal Navy and British Army play out entertaining draw in Havant to kick off U23s Inter Services

The Royal Navy came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against the British Army in the opening match of the 2025 under-23s Inter Services.

A thrilling first half saw the Navy trail at the break after goals from Tyler Stevens and Buster Reed gave Keith Emmerson's Army team a 2-1 lead.

However, the Navy hit back to control the second period and Sol Roche added to Callum Monaghan's earlier strike to cancel out the Army's advantage.

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The game kicked off in Havant with an Army onslaught as Jordan Crone stood up a cross and Femi Takyi headed wide from a great position.

It was a warning sign for the reigning champions who were behind after just seven minutes when Stevens' shot deflected into the back of the net off the thigh of Louis Smith.

Takyi had another effort fly off target before a Navy goal came against the run of play. Brilliant footwork by Roche released the threatening Braydon Jones and his low cross was converted, on the swivel, by Monaghan.

At the other end, Buster Reed was having a battle with Navy shot-stopper Samuel Kellet who tipped a powerful free kick around the post before conceding a second goal moments later.

It was the goalkeeper's mistake as he failed to take a lofted cross under pressure from Takyi and it led to Reed having a simple tap-in for a 2-1 lead to the Army.

The Navy were wobbling as they continuously gave the ball away in dangerous positions, but Takyi and Reed wasted good opportunities to extend the Army's advantage.

Despite the momentum, the Army had their goalkeeper to thank for their half-time lead as Charlie Pocklington pulled off an incredible fingertip save to deny substitute Jensen Bryan.

The second half had less chances as the Navy started to put their stamp on the patterns of play.

Bryan flashed wide from six yards after a smart header back across the box but it was Jones' superb running on the right wing that earned a Navy equaliser.

The winger chased a lost cause from a long ball and beat the Army defender to the ball before squaring for Roche to poke in at the near post.

It was the Navy who looked more likely to win the game as Josh Woolley and Monaghan both had long-distance attempts but the 2-2 draw was a fair result from a battle of two well-matchd teams.

It's good news for the RAF who can take control of the title race with a win against the Navy at Wealdstone next week - find out how to watch that match live.