Hedgerley FC faced off against AFC Reading Sunday at their home ground on 29 September 2024, with kick-off at 10:30 am. In a thrilling league match, Hedgerley emerged victorious with a scoreline of 5-3, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
Hedgerley FC deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Rory Scott started in goal, with Jack Butler and Chris Smith anchoring the right and left defensive flanks, respectively. The central defense was formed by Jack Wright and Chris Randall, who were tasked with maintaining a robust defensive line. In midfield, Alex Mitchell and Harry Bell provided the central support, while Brandon Wallis played on the right and Lewis Scott on the left as attacking midfielders, supporting the lone striker, Oliver Cottrill.
The substitutes for Hedgerley FC were not disclosed, but the starting lineup was filled with players eager to make an impact. The formation allowed for creativity in the attacking third, with Cottrill expected to lead the line effectively and link up play with the supporting midfielders.
The match began with AFC Reading Sunday striking first, taking the lead in the 17th minute. This early setback could have rattled Hedgerley, but they responded well. Just six minutes later, Oliver Cottrill levelled the score, finishing a well-placed assist from Brandon Wallis inside the box with his right foot.
As the first half progressed, AFC Reading once again found the net in the 39th minute, re-establishing their lead. Hedgerley’s frustration grew when Jack Wright received a yellow card for a bad tackle shortly after, followed by Chris Randall receiving the same fate just two minutes later for a similar offence. The half ended with both teams locked in a competitive battle, and Hedgerley trailing 2-1.
The second half began with another blow for Hedgerley, as AFC Reading scored again in the 50th minute, pushing the score to 3-1. However, Hedgerley was not to be deterred. In the 62nd minute, Oliver Cottrill struck again, this time from a direct free-kick taken outside the box, courtesy of an assist from Chris Smith, bringing the score to 3-2.
Hedgerley pressed on, and their determination paid off in the 68th minute when Harry Bell scored a header, set up beautifully by Lewis Scott, equalising the match at 3-3. The momentum shifted in favour of Hedgerley, who capitalised on their newfound confidence. Cottrill completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute, striking from long range after receiving another assist from Lewis Scott, making it 4-3.
The final nail in the coffin for AFC Reading came just five minutes later when Cottrill scored his fourth goal of the match, this time using his left foot to finish from long range after a setup by Jack Butler, sealing the emphatic 5-3 victory for Hedgerley FC.
The match showcased an outstanding performance from Oliver Cottrill, who not only scored four goals but also demonstrated his ability to influence the game significantly. The referee, Richard Addae, had a challenging job managing the competitive nature of the match, particularly with the number of cards issued. Overall, it was a thrilling contest, and Hedgerley FC's attacking display left fans eager for more in the upcoming fixtures.
