Hedgerley FC Come From Behind To Beat Maidenhead Nomads Dev 2-1

Hedgerley FC hosted Maidenhead Nomads Dev at Farnham Park Playing Fields on 19 October 2025, with a 10:30am kick-off in a crucial cup tie. The home side emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus added time, overturning an early deficit to progress in the competition.

Hedgerley lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, deploying a solid defensive back four and a packed midfield designed to control possession and supply their lone striker. Chris Randall took his place in goal, protected by right defender Chris Smith and left defender Bradley Oxbrow, with central defensive duties shared between Adam Butler and Charlie Parkin. The midfield quintet featured Jack Mckenzie on the right flank, Ollie Parkin on the left, and a central trio of Jack Butler, Dale Woodford, and Billy Long tasked with both defensive cover and creative support. Up front, Oliver Cottrill was the sole striker expected to lead the line and convert chances created by the midfield. On the bench, Joey Carabini was named as the only substitute available for Hedgerley.

The match began with Maidenhead Nomads Dev taking the initiative and striking first blood in the 20th minute. Their early goal put Hedgerley on the back foot, forcing the hosts to regroup and chase the game. Despite this setback, Hedgerley’s midfield remained composed, working hard to regain control as the first half progressed. The referee, Gifford Manyange, maintained order throughout the opening 45 minutes, which ended with Maidenhead holding a slender lead.

At half-time, Hedgerley’s manager would have urged his team to increase their attacking impetus and find a way back into the match. The 4-5-1 system demanded the midfielders to push forward and support Cottrill more effectively, while the defenders needed to stay vigilant against Maidenhead’s counter-attacks.

Just six minutes into the second half, Hedgerley’s persistence paid off. Billy Long, operating centrally, delivered a precise assist to Oliver Cottrill, who finished clinically to level the score at 1-1. This goal revitalised the home side and shifted the momentum in their favour. From this point, Hedgerley pressed hard to find a winner, with the midfield trio and wide players increasing their influence on the game.

As the match wore on, both teams battled intensely, but it was Hedgerley who looked the more likely to break the deadlock. In the 90th minute, a tactical substitution saw Joey Carabini replace Billy Long, presumably to inject fresh legs and energy into the midfield for the final moments.

The game extended into added time, where tensions rose. Jack Mckenzie received a yellow card in the 95th minute, a caution that reflected the physical nature of the contest as Hedgerley sought to maintain their advantage.

Then, in the 98th minute, Hedgerley’s striker Oliver Cottrill struck again, securing a dramatic late winner to complete his brace and seal a memorable 2-1 victory for the hosts. This decisive goal was a testament to Cottrill’s poaching instincts and the team’s resilience in overcoming an early deficit.

Overall, Hedgerley FC’s 4-5-1 formation proved effective in controlling the midfield and providing service to their lone forward, who ultimately made the difference. The defensive unit held firm after conceding early, while the midfielders contributed both creativity and work rate. The introduction of Carabini in the closing stages helped see the team through to a deserved cup win on home soil.