Stag FC Storm To 5-2 Victory At Bar 8 First In Cup Clash

The Stag FC travelled to face Bar 8 First in a keenly anticipated cup away match on 9 November 2025, kicking off at 11:05am. In a thrilling 90-minute encounter overseen by referee Edward Davies, The Stag FC emerged triumphant with a commanding 5-2 scoreline.

Deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, The Stag FC set up with James Brougham guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Ivan Tsipan at right back, Jack Cannell and Alex Vineall as central defenders, and Elsio Peixoto on the left. In midfield, Liam Townsend and Shane Osborne operated as the double pivot, tasked with both shielding the defence and linking play forward. Ahead of them, the attacking trio consisted of Harry Dominy on the right flank, Edgars Nikolajevs centrally positioned as the attacking midfielder, and Matt Merrick on the left. Leading the line was striker Kasey Hughes, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances. On the bench were Miguel Frater, Luke Martin, and Connor Mellett, ready to influence the game as required.

The match began with both sides probing for openings, but it was The Stag FC who made the first significant tactical change at the half-hour mark. In a triple substitution, Miguel Frater replaced Jack Cannell in central defence, Luke Martin came on for right attacking midfielder Harry Dominy, and Connor Mellett took over from left back Elsio Peixoto. This reshuffle aimed to inject fresh energy and maintain defensive solidity while keeping attacking options fluid.

Just ten minutes before the break, The Stag FC broke the deadlock. Right back Ivan Tsipan delivered a precise assist, threading a pass that found central midfielder Liam Townsend, who expertly finished to give his side the lead. This goal was a crucial moment, setting the tone for the remainder of the half.

As the first half drew to a close, The Stag FC doubled their advantage through a penalty converted by striker Kasey Hughes right on the stroke of half-time. This penalty goal not only boosted morale but also put Bar 8 First under significant pressure heading into the break.

The second half burst into life immediately as Hughes struck again just two minutes after the restart, this time from open play, assisted by Matt Merrick’s creative influence on the left. However, Bar 8 First responded swiftly with a penalty of their own, narrowing the deficit and signalling their intent to fight back.

Hughes was undeterred and completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, once again set up by Merrick, who proved pivotal in unlocking the opposition’s defence. The Stag FC’s attacking threat was relentless, and their dominance was clear.

Shortly after, at the 62-minute mark, The Stag FC made a series of substitutions to refresh the squad. Harry Dominy returned to the field, replacing Ivan Tsipan at right back, while Elsio Peixoto came back in for Alex Vineall in central defence. Jack Cannell also re-entered the fray, taking over from Matt Merrick in the left attacking midfielder role. These changes maintained the team’s balance and allowed for renewed attacking impetus.

Bar 8 First managed to pull another goal back in the 85th minute, keeping the contest alive, but The Stag FC responded emphatically. In the 88th minute, Dominy, who had been reintroduced earlier, capitalised on a superb assist from Hughes to restore a three-goal cushion.

Further substitutions followed late in the game, with Matt Merrick returning for Liam Townsend in midfield, Ivan Tsipan coming on for Edgars Nikolajevs centrally, and Alex Vineall replacing Shane Osborne to shore up the defence. These tactical moves ensured The Stag FC retained control as the match drew to a close.

Ultimately, The Stag FC’s clinical finishing and tactical flexibility secured a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Bar 8 First. Kasey Hughes was deservedly named Player of the Match after his outstanding hat-trick and overall influence throughout the game. This result propels The Stag FC confidently forward in the cup competition.