In a commanding display, The Stag FC triumphed over Yelvertoft FC with a resounding scoreline of 9-3 during their league match at Yelvertoft Sports Field on 17 November 2024. The match kicked off at 11:00 am, and the visitors showcased their attacking prowess throughout the contest.
The Stag FC lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Charlie Britton in goal, flanked by a back four consisting of Harry Dominy on the right, Ryan Evans and Jack Cannell in central defence, and Matt Merrick on the left. The midfield trio featured Harry Holloway on the right, Adam Gould in the centre, and Tom Bishop on the left, while Kasey Hughes operated just behind the two forwards, Jay Lawes and Alex Platt. This setup was designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions.
The substitutes for The Stag FC included Kieron Parry, Jaidon Cole, Kyle Gibson, and Callum Howling, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The Stag FC wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Kasey Hughes opening the scoring just two minutes into the match. Hughes received a pass from Jack Cannell and unleashed a stunning solo effort from outside the box, leaving the Yelvertoft goalkeeper with no chance. However, Yelvertoft FC responded quickly, equalising in the 11th minute, which injected some life into the contest.
Undeterred, Hughes struck again in the 16th minute, showcasing his skill with another solo goal that restored The Stag's lead. The visitors continued to press forward, and in the 21st minute, Jay Lawes added to the tally with a powerful shot from outside the area, making it 3-1.
As the first half progressed, The Stag FC faced an injury setback when Harry Dominy had to be substituted in the 38th minute, making way for Kieron Parry. Nevertheless, the team continued to dominate, with Hughes scoring his third goal of the match just before half-time, assisted by Alex Platt in the 39th minute. Shortly after, in the 43rd minute, Platt himself got on the scoresheet, courtesy of an assist from Tom Bishop, bringing the score to 5-1 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half began with The Stag FC making two substitutions in the 55th minute, bringing on Kyle Gibson for Holloway and Jaidon Cole for Cannell. However, Yelvertoft FC managed to find the net again in the 56th minute, capitalising on an own goal from The Stag FC, which momentarily shifted the momentum.
In the 58th minute, Callum Howling replaced Adam Gould, and shortly after, in the 62nd minute, Harry Holloway returned to the pitch in place of Alex Platt, who had also succumbed to injury. The Stag FC quickly regained control, with Jay Lawes scoring his second goal of the match in the 70th minute, assisted by Tom Bishop, extending the lead to 6-2.
Yelvertoft FC responded with a goal in the 72nd minute, a scrappy effort from a goalmouth scramble, but The Stag FC were relentless. Just a minute later, in the 73rd minute, Lawes completed his brace with a well-placed shot, this time assisted by Kieron Parry, pushing the score to 7-3.
The Stag FC continued to dominate, and in the 79th minute, Adam Gould got his name on the scoresheet with a well-executed team move, assisted by Jaidon Cole. The final flourish came in the 88th minute when Tom Bishop added the ninth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for The Stag FC.
The match concluded with a remarkable scoreline of 9-3, a testament to The Stag FC's attacking flair and resilience. Kasey Hughes was undoubtedly the standout performer, earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his exceptional hat-trick and overall influence on the game.
