Wedgwood FC delivered a stunning performance against Bradwell FC at Trubshaw Cross on 23 February 2025, securing an emphatic 8-2 victory in their league away match. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the home side struggled to contain the relentless attacking prowess of Wedgwood throughout the encounter.
Wedgwood FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing ample support to their lone striker. Adam Dunn took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Brandyn Williams and Alex Bayley as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Jordan Coleman and Ricci Edwards forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Callum Henry and Henri Royals operated as central midfielders, while Ashley Ibbs and Nick Bennet flanked Craig Cookson, who played as the attacking midfielder behind striker Owen Bott. The substitutes for the match included Jay Blood, Mason Mckenna, Shane Reaney, George Barlow, and Ethan Poole.
The match began with an early attempt from Brandyn Williams, who shot high in the fourth minute, signalling Wedgwood's intent. Just a minute later, Owen Bott opened the scoring with a spectacular goal, connecting with a cross from Williams to unleash a screamer into the net, sending the visiting fans into raptures. Bott continued to threaten, forcing a save from the Bradwell goalkeeper shortly after.
However, Bradwell responded with a goal of their own in the 20th minute, momentarily levelling the score. The game remained competitive, with Nick Bennet missing a chance shortly after, shooting wide in the 26th minute. Bradwell found the net again in the 37th minute, taking a surprising 2-1 lead into the half-time break.
The second half saw immediate tactical changes from Wedgwood, with Jay Blood replacing Ricci Edwards shortly after the restart. The substitutions continued as Mason Mckenna and Shane Reaney came on for Owen Bott and Nick Bennet, respectively, in the 55th minute.
Wedgwood's resurgence began in the 60th minute when Shane Reaney scored directly from a corner kick, equalising the match at 2-2. The momentum shifted dramatically, and just six minutes later, Mason Mckenna put Wedgwood ahead with a well-placed shot, assisted by George Barlow. Mckenna was not done yet, as he scored again in the 67th minute, this time with a long-range strike following a clever pass from Brandyn Williams.
Owen Bott then reasserted his dominance by scoring two more goals within a span of just two minutes. His first came in the 68th minute, a left-footed effort from outside the area, assisted by Mckenna. Bott completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, converting a flick from Craig Cookson to make it 6-2.
With the game well in hand, Wedgwood continued to press, and Mckenna added to his tally in the 79th minute, scoring his third goal of the match with another assist from Barlow. Bott rounded off the scoring for Wedgwood, netting his fourth goal of the day shortly after, again assisted by Mckenna.
As the match drew to a close, Jordan Coleman was substituted for Ricci Edwards in the 82nd minute, and Mason Mckenna had a late attempt go wide in the 87th minute. The final whistle confirmed an astonishing 8-2 victory for Wedgwood FC, with Owen Bott earning the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding performance. The result not only highlights Wedgwood's attacking capabilities but also raises questions about Bradwell's defensive frailties as they look to regroup after this heavy defeat.
