Wedgwood FC faced off against FC Mona in a gripping league encounter at the Holditch Miners Club on 26 January 2025, with the match concluding in a 4-2 defeat for the visitors. The game kicked off at 10:30 am, showcasing a fierce battle between the two sides.
Wedgwood FC adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which positioned chris dyer in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Brandyn Williams and Alex Bayley as the right and left defenders respectively, with Jordan Coleman and Ricci Edwards occupying the central defensive roles. In midfield, Henri Royals and Callum Henry operated as central midfielders, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. The attacking trio consisted of Shane Reaney on the right, Nick Bennet on the left, and Craig Cookson in a central attacking role, with Owen Bott leading the line as the lone striker.
The substitutes for Wedgwood FC included George Barlow, Ashley Ibbs, and Jay Blood, who would later be called upon to influence the match.
The action began early, with Brandyn Williams making a crucial tackle in the second minute, setting the tone for a competitive encounter. Just two minutes later, Henri Royals showcased his vision with a long pass, followed closely by Nick Bennet, who also delivered a long pass that created a chance for his side. However, Royals found himself on the wrong side of the referee's whistle in the sixth minute, committing a late tackle that resulted in a foul.
As the match progressed, Owen Bott attempted to break the deadlock in the 14th minute, but it was Ricci Edwards who came closest to scoring shortly after, only to see his effort saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Craig Cookson then made his mark in the 18th minute with a long pass that created another opportunity for Wedgwood FC, but Bott's shot in the 27th minute went high, missing the target.
The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute when Cookson found the net with a stunning strike from outside the box, assisted by Bayley, sending the Wedgwood fans into raptures. However, the joy was short-lived as FC Mona equalised just before half-time in the 41st minute, leaving the teams level at the break.
The second half began with renewed intensity, and in the 55th minute, Ricci Edwards made a key pass that created another chance for Wedgwood FC. Cookson then converted a penalty in the 60th minute, restoring Wedgwood's lead and igniting hopes of a comeback. However, FC Mona responded swiftly, scoring a long-range strike just four minutes later to level the match once more.
The momentum shifted decisively in the 68th minute when FC Mona took the lead for the first time, leaving Wedgwood FC scrambling to regain control. In a bid to change the game, manager substitutions were made, with George Barlow replacing Ricci Edwards in the 62nd minute and Ashley Ibbs coming on for Shane Reaney shortly after.
Despite their efforts, Wedgwood FC could not find an equaliser, and in the dying moments of the match, FC Mona was awarded a penalty, which they converted in the second minute of added time, sealing a 4-2 victory. The defeat was a bitter pill for Wedgwood FC to swallow, but they showed resilience and determination throughout the match, leaving room for improvement in their upcoming fixtures.
