Hedgerley FC Fall To 4-2 Defeat At Chicken Ranch United

Hedgerley FC travelled to Chicken Ranch on 25 January 2026 for their cup tie against Chicken Ranch United, kicking off at 10:30am. The away side fought hard but ultimately succumbed to a 4-2 defeat in a match that saw plenty of action and tactical shifts over the 90 minutes. Referee Oliver Chan oversaw the contest which unfolded in front of a lively home crowd.

Hedgerley lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, deploying a solid back four with Chris Randall in goal. Jack Butler took up the right-back position, while Charlie Parkin and Ryan Gibbs partnered centrally in defence. Chris Smith started at left-back before an early injury forced a change. The midfield was packed with five players: Klodian Lusha on the right wing, Dale Woodford, Adam Butler, and Billy Long centrally, and Tyrese Weekes operating on the left flank. Up front, Oliver Cottrill led the line as the lone striker, expected to hold up play and link with the midfield runners. The substitutes named were Joey Carabini, Max Thomas, and Chris Hall.

The match began with Hedgerley adjusting to the away atmosphere, but the first significant event came early when left-back Chris Smith was forced off injured in the 20th minute, replaced by Joey Carabini. This disruption appeared to unsettle the visitors as just four minutes later, Chicken Ranch United opened the scoring, taking a 1-0 lead.

Hedgerley responded well and found an equaliser in the 30th minute through left midfielder Tyrese Weekes, who finished clinically after a precise assist from striker Oliver Cottrill. The goal injected some much-needed belief into the visitors, but the home side regained the advantage before half-time, scoring again in the 40th minute to lead 2-1.

As the first half drew to a close, Hedgerley made a tactical substitution with Max Thomas replacing central midfielder Adam Butler at the 45th minute mark. The teams went into the break with Chicken Ranch United holding a narrow lead.

The second half saw further changes early on as Adam Butler returned to the pitch, this time replacing right midfielder Klodian Lusha in the 60th minute. Simultaneously, Chris Hall came on for right-back Jack Butler, signalling a reshuffle in the defensive line. Despite these adjustments, Chicken Ranch United extended their lead in the 59th minute, making it 3-1.

The home side continued to press and added a fourth goal in the 68th minute, putting the game beyond Hedgerley’s reach. However, the visitors showed resilience and pulled a goal back in the 85th minute when Tyrese Weekes struck again, once more assisted by Oliver Cottrill, to make the scoreline 4-2.

Despite their efforts, Hedgerley could not find a way back into the match, and the final whistle confirmed their exit from the cup at the hands of a clinical Chicken Ranch United side. The game was marked by early injury setbacks and multiple substitutions as Hedgerley sought to find a foothold, but the home team’s attacking prowess proved decisive.