Pinkneys Green First 3 vs 2 Hedgerley FC

Hedgerley FC faced off against Pinkneys Green First in a gripping league encounter at the Hedsor Social Club on 13 October 2024, with the match concluding in a narrow 3-2 defeat for the visitors. The game kicked off at 10:30 am, and both teams were eager to secure vital points in their league campaign.

Hedgerley FC adopted a 4-3-2-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in attack. Rory Scott took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Chris Randall on the right, Jack Wright and Charlie Parkin in central defence, and Chris Smith on the left. The midfield trio featured Adam Butler on the right, Alex Mitchell centrally, and Brandon Belmar on the left, with Alex Weatherby and Tyrese Weekes supporting lone striker Oliver Cottrill in a fluid attacking setup. The substitutes included Liam Neale, who would later be called upon due to an early injury.

The match began explosively, with Hedgerley FC taking the lead just one minute in. Brandon Belmar found the back of the net, converting a well-placed assist from Alex Weatherby inside the box. The early goal set the tone for an action-packed first half, but Pinkneys Green First responded swiftly, equalising in the 22nd minute with a close-range effort from their forward, who slotted the ball home with his right foot.

The momentum shifted further in favour of the home side when they scored again in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a well-executed team move that culminated in another right-footed finish. As the first half drew to a close, Hedgerley FC found themselves trailing 2-1, despite a promising start.

The second half saw Hedgerley FC struggling to regain control, and their task became even more difficult when Adam Butler received a yellow card for dissent in the 60th minute. Just two minutes later, Butler's day ended prematurely as he was shown a second yellow card, resulting in a red card that left Hedgerley FC with ten men.

Despite the setback, Hedgerley FC continued to fight back, and in the 82nd minute, Tyrese Weekes brought his team back into contention with a stunning lob, assisted by Charlie Parkin's long pass. The visitors were now level at 2-2, igniting hopes of a comeback.

However, the drama was far from over. In the 85th minute, Pinkneys Green First regained the lead through an unfortunate own goal from Hedgerley FC, who were unable to clear their lines effectively. The home side's late strike proved decisive, as Hedgerley FC could not find a way back into the match.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreline read 3-2 in favour of Pinkneys Green First, leaving Hedgerley FC to reflect on a match filled with highs and lows. The performance showcased their resilience, but the inability to maintain discipline and defensive solidity ultimately cost them dearly in this enthralling league clash.