On 14 September 2025, The Stag FC travelled to GEC Recreation Ground to face AFC Rugby in a cup away tie that kicked off at 11:00am under the watchful eye of referee Edward Davies. The Stag FC delivered a commanding performance, running out comfortable 5-0 winners after 90 minutes of football plus injury time.
The Stag FC lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, deploying James Brougham in goal. The defensive line consisted of Jack Cannell at right back, Alex Vineall and Connor Mellett as central defenders, and Elsio Peixoto on the left flank. In midfield, Adam Gould took up the right midfield berth, with Dylan Tellyn and Liam Townsend operating centrally, and Matt Merrick on the left. Up front, the strike partnership featured Jaidon Cole on the right and Shane Osborne on the left. The formation promised a balanced approach, with full-backs expected to support wide play, central midfielders tasked with controlling the tempo, and forwards looking to exploit spaces with pace and precision. On the bench, Kieron Parry, Harry Dominy, and Miguel Frater awaited their chance to influence proceedings.
The match burst into life early as Shane Osborne opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a spectacular direct free-kick from outside the box, expertly curled with his right foot following a precise delivery from Jaidon Cole. This early strike set the tone for The Stag FC’s dominance and unsettled AFC Rugby’s defence.
As the game settled, The Stag FC continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 24th minute when Dylan Tellyn confidently converted a penalty, again set up by Jaidon Cole’s influence in the attacking third. This doubled the visitors’ advantage and further dented AFC Rugby’s hopes of a comeback.
Just six minutes later, Jaidon Cole himself got on the scoresheet, finishing neatly inside the box after a slick short pass from Liam Townsend. The right forward’s clinical right-footed strike made it 3-0 and demonstrated The Stag FC’s attacking fluidity and clinical edge.
At the interval, tactical changes were made with three substitutions: Kieron Parry replaced Matt Merrick on the left midfield, Harry Dominy came on for right back Jack Cannell, and Miguel Frater took over from Adam Gould on the right midfield. These adjustments aimed to maintain intensity and freshen the side for the second half.
The second half saw The Stag FC continue their control, and their efforts bore fruit in the 60th minute when Liam Townsend scored from close range, finishing with his right foot after a clever short pass from Miguel Frater. This goal underlined the midfield’s ability to contribute decisively in attack.
Shortly after, Adam Gould was reintroduced to replace Jaidon Cole, signalling a tactical reshuffle to maintain attacking threat while managing player fitness. Ten minutes later, Jack Cannell returned to the pitch, replacing Connor Mellett in central defence, while Matt Merrick came back on for an injured Liam Townsend, restoring some familiarity to the midfield.
The final flourish came in stoppage time when Miguel Frater rose highest to head home a cross from Harry Dominy, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 victory for The Stag FC. The headed goal was a fitting end to a dominant display, showcasing the team’s aerial prowess and composure in front of goal.
Shane Osborne’s early free-kick goal and overall influence earned him the player of the match accolade, highlighting his vital role in The Stag FC’s attacking success.
In summary, The Stag FC’s disciplined 4-4-2 setup, combined with clinical finishing and effective tactical substitutions, ensured a resounding win over AFC Rugby at GEC Recreation Ground #2, advancing them comfortably in the cup competition.
