Hedgerley FC faced off against Desborough Royals in a league home match at Farnham Park Playing Fields on 22 September 2024, with kick-off at 10:30 am. The home side delivered a stunning performance, securing a resounding 9-0 victory over their opponents, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the match.
Hedgerley FC lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate midfield while maintaining a solid backline. Lewis Scott took his place in goal, shielded by a defensive quartet consisting of Jack Butler on the right, Charlie Parkin and Billy Long in central defence, and Chris Smith on the left. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Lewis Linley on the right, Alex Mitchell and Oliver Cottrill centrally, and Andrew Bailey on the left. Conor Henry led the line as the lone striker, tasked with converting the chances created by the midfielders.
The substitutes for Hedgerley FC included Josh McKee, Brandon Belmar, and John Lobo, who would later be called upon to maintain the momentum as the match progressed.
The scoring opened in the 28th minute when Conor Henry found the back of the net, assisted by Jack Butler, who delivered a precise cross that Henry expertly converted. Just four minutes later, Andrew Bailey doubled the lead, finishing off a well-worked move with an assist from Billy Long, showcasing the home side's attacking fluidity.
As the first half drew to a close, Lewis Linley added a third goal in the 41st minute, with Conor Henry providing the assist, leaving Desborough Royals reeling. The half-time whistle blew shortly after, with Hedgerley FC comfortably in control at 3-0.
The second half commenced with Hedgerley FC continuing their onslaught. Just five minutes in, Oliver Cottrill scored the fourth goal, with Andrew Bailey again playing a pivotal role in the build-up. Moments later, in the 51st minute, Conor Henry netted his second of the match, assisted by Bailey, who was proving to be a constant threat down the left flank.
Billy Long joined the scoresheet in the 56th minute, finishing off a move initiated by Oliver Cottrill, further extending the lead to 6-0. The substitutions began in the 60th minute when Brandon Belmar replaced Conor Henry, who had already made a significant impact.
Hedgerley FC showed no signs of slowing down, and in the 71st minute, Oliver Cottrill scored his second goal of the match, with Adam Butler providing the assist, making it 7-0. The substitutions continued as Jack Butler made way for John Lobo, and Andrew Bailey was replaced by Conor Henry shortly after, as the home side looked to maintain their rhythm.
In the 79th minute, Conor Henry completed his hat-trick, scoring with the help of John Lobo's assist, while Adam Butler added an eighth goal just moments later, showcasing the relentless attacking display from Hedgerley FC.
The final substitution saw Lewis Linley return to the pitch in place of Oliver Cottrill in the 83rd minute, as the home side looked to close out the match. The scoring concluded with Hedgerley FC's ninth goal, a fitting end to a dominant performance, leaving Desborough Royals without a single reply.
Hedgerley FC's emphatic 9-0 victory not only highlights their attacking capabilities but also serves as a statement of intent as they continue their league campaign.
