In a commanding performance, Wedgwood FC secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Knights Templar FC in their league home match at the Wedgwood Sports and Social Club on 30 March 2025. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the home side showcased their attacking prowess throughout the encounter, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.
Wedgwood FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive base while providing ample support for their attacking players. Adam Dunn took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Ben Deakin on the right, Alex Bayley on the left, and central defenders Henri Royals and Ricci Edwards. In midfield, George Barlow and Callum Henry operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of them, Ethan Poole and Mason Mckenna occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Craig Cookson played centrally behind striker Ashley Ibbs, who was the focal point of the attack.
The substitutes for Wedgwood FC included Jordan Coleman and Simon Blanchard, who would later make significant contributions to the match.
The first half began with both teams probing for an early advantage. In the fourth minute, Henri Royals made a crucial defensive header to clear the danger, quickly followed by Ashley Ibbs attempting a shot that went wide. George Barlow was also active in defence, heading the ball clear just a minute later. As the home side continued to press, Ethan Poole's effort in the ninth minute also went wide, signalling their intent to dominate.
Callum Henry was next to try his luck in the twelfth minute, but it was Mason Mckenna who made a notable impact with a long pass that created a chance shortly after. Royals then contributed offensively with another long pass, demonstrating the fluidity of Wedgwood's play. Mckenna had a shot saved in the 23rd minute, followed by another attempt from Ibbs that was also thwarted by the Knights Templar goalkeeper.
Defensively, Alex Bayley made an important interception in the 25th minute, preventing a potential chance for the visitors. Despite their efforts, Knights Templar struggled to find their rhythm, and Callum Henry's shot in the 27th minute went high over the bar. As the half drew to a close, Mckenna's attempt in the 40th minute went wide, leaving the score at 0-0 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half saw immediate changes for Wedgwood, with Jordan Coleman replacing Mckenna and Simon Blanchard coming on for Poole just three minutes after the restart. The substitutions paid off quickly, as Craig Cookson converted a penalty in the 49th minute to give Wedgwood the lead. Simon Blanchard was pivotal in the 50th minute, making a key pass and then intercepting a Knights Templar attack, showcasing his impact from the bench.
Ashley Ibbs had another opportunity in the 56th minute, but his shot went high. Adam Dunn, the Wedgwood goalkeeper, was called into action in the 59th minute, making a full-stretch save to deny a Knights Templar effort. Callum Henry's shot in the 60th minute also went high, as Wedgwood continued to press for more goals.
In the 62nd minute, Henri Royals attempted a shot that went wide, but Callum Henry's flicked pass in the 63rd minute created a chance, while Ricci Edwards made a crucial block to prevent a Knights Templar attack. The home side doubled their lead in the 69th minute when Simon Blanchard scored with a header from a corner taken by Craig Cookson.
As the match progressed, Callum Henry made another long pass in the 71st minute, but Cookson's shot in the 74th minute was saved. However, Cookson found the net again in the 76th minute, scoring from inside the box with an assist from George Barlow's long pass.
With the score at 3-0, Wedgwood made further tactical changes, bringing Mckenna back on for Blanchard in the 81st minute and substituting Henry for Ethan Poole in the 82nd minute. Ashley Ibbs had another shot go high in the 87th minute, while Mckenna's effort in the 88th minute also went wide.
The final minutes saw Cookson complete his hat-trick in the 90th minute, scoring with a long pass assist from Royals. In stoppage time, Henri Royals added a fifth goal with a stunning strike from outside the area, assisted by Mckenna from a corner. Jordan Coleman capped off a solid performance with a tackle in the 93rd minute, ensuring a clean sheet for Dunn.
The match concluded with Wedgwood FC celebrating a comprehensive 5-0 victory, a testament to their attacking flair and solid defensive organisation. Ben Deakin's performance in particular stood out, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match.
