Hedgerley FC Fall Short In Six-Goal Thriller At Datchet Recreation Ground

Hedgerley FC travelled to Datchet Recreation Ground on 18 January 2026 for a 10:30am kick-off in a cup away match against Datchet Village. The encounter ended in a high-scoring 6-4 defeat for Hedgerley after 90 minutes plus added time, with the visitors showing resilience but ultimately succumbing to a relentless home side.

Hedgerley lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and supply their lone striker. Chris Randall took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Chris Smith at right back, Ryan Gibbs and Charlie Parkin as central defenders, and Bradley Oxbrow on the left. The midfield five featured Klodian Lusha on the right wing, Billy Long, Oliver Cottrill, and Jack Butler centrally, with Ollie Parkin operating on the left flank. Up front, Conor Henry was tasked with leading the attack. The substitutes named were Adam Butler and Chris Hall.

The match began with an early blow for Hedgerley as Datchet Village opened the scoring in the eighth minute, setting the tone for a frantic contest. The visitors struggled to contain the home side’s attacking threat in the opening exchanges.

At half-time, Hedgerley made a tactical change, bringing on Adam Butler to replace Jack Butler in midfield. This switch appeared to rejuvenate the side as they responded swiftly after the break.

Just five minutes into the second half, Conor Henry found the net, assisted by the newly introduced Adam Butler, to level the score and inject hope into the visitors’ campaign. The momentum continued as Ollie Parkin doubled Hedgerley’s advantage three minutes later, capitalising on a precise delivery from Klodian Lusha down the right.

However, Datchet Village were quick to respond, pulling a goal back in the 54th minute to keep the contest finely poised. Hedgerley refused to be rattled and restored their two-goal cushion in the 56th minute when Oliver Cottrill converted a chance created by Conor Henry, showcasing the striker’s ability to contribute beyond scoring.

The home side then mounted a strong comeback, netting twice in quick succession during the 71st and 75th minutes, which swung the momentum firmly back in their favour and left Hedgerley chasing the game once more.

With the match entering its final stages, Hedgerley made a double substitution at the 79th minute mark, introducing Chris Hall for Klodian Lusha and reinstating Jack Butler in place of Billy Long, aiming to bolster their midfield and defensive stability.

The visitors managed to pull a goal back in the 86th minute through substitute Chris Hall, who was set up by Adam Butler, signalling a late surge and keeping their hopes alive.

Despite Hedgerley’s efforts, Datchet Village sealed their victory with a penalty converted in the 106th minute during added time, extinguishing any chance of a comeback and concluding the thrilling encounter.

The match was officiated by referee Leesah, who oversaw a game packed with end-to-end action and numerous goalmouth incidents. Hedgerley’s 4-5-1 formation allowed for midfield dominance and attacking support, but defensive lapses at crucial moments proved costly against a clinical Datchet Village side.

In summary, Hedgerley FC showed commendable fighting spirit and attacking prowess but were ultimately undone by a potent home attack and a late penalty, resulting in a 6-4 defeat at Datchet Recreation Ground.