Hedgerley FC faced off against Singh Sabha Slough in a gripping cup tie at Farnham Park Playing Fields on 19 January 2025, with the match concluding in a 6-4 defeat for the home side. The game kicked off at 10:30 am, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash that saw both teams display attacking flair and resilience.
Hedgerley FC adopted a 4-5-1 formation, designed to bolster their midfield presence while allowing for quick transitions to attack. Chris Randall took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Chris Smith and Bradley Oxbrow as right and left defenders, respectively, with Jack Wright and Charlie Parkin forming the central defensive partnership. The midfield trio consisted of Oliver Cottrill, Adam Butler, and Ryan Gibbs in central roles, while Jack Butler and Brandon Belmar operated as right and left midfielders, supporting lone striker Tyrese Weekes.
The substitutes for Hedgerley FC included Rory Scott, Alex Weatherby, Alex Mitchell, Brandon Wallis, and Lewis Scott, providing options for tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
The scoring opened in the 16th minute when Brandon Belmar found the net, assisted by Tyrese Weekes, giving Hedgerley FC an early lead. Just five minutes later, Tyrese Weekes doubled the advantage, with Belmar again providing the assist, showcasing a promising start for the home side. However, Singh Sabha Slough responded swiftly, pulling one back in the 24th minute, igniting their hopes of a comeback.
Hedgerley FC continued to press forward, and in the 35th minute, Oliver Cottrill restored a two-goal cushion, finishing off a move set up by Belmar. Yet, the visitors were relentless, scoring again just two minutes later to keep the contest finely balanced. As the first half drew to a close, Cottrill struck once more in the 41st minute, this time assisted by Charlie Parkin, leaving the score at 4-3 in favour of Hedgerley FC at half-time.
The second half commenced with Singh Sabha Slough determined to level the score, and they did so in the 54th minute, equalising the match. This prompted Hedgerley FC to make their first substitution, bringing on Rory Scott for Tyrese Weekes, as they sought to regain control. The visitors took the lead for the first time in the match in the 66th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Hedgerley FC.
In a bid to change the momentum, Hedgerley FC made further substitutions, introducing Alex Weatherby and Alex Mitchell for Brandon Belmar and Ryan Gibbs, respectively, in the 63rd minute. However, Singh Sabha Slough continued to dominate, scoring again in the 74th minute to extend their lead to 6-4. Hedgerley FC made their final changes, with Brandon Wallis replacing Bradley Oxbrow and Lewis Scott coming on for Jack Butler in the 67th and 68th minutes, respectively.
Despite their efforts, Hedgerley FC could not find a way back into the match, and Singh Sabha Slough held firm to secure a memorable victory. The match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams, but ultimately, it was the visitors who emerged victorious in this thrilling cup encounter.
