Wedgwood FC delivered a stunning performance at the Wedgwood Sports and Social Club on 3rd November 2024, securing an emphatic 8-1 victory over Stone Nomads in a league home match. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and it was a display of attacking football that left the visitors reeling.
Wedgwood FC lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Chris Dyer took his place in goal, while the back four consisted of Brendon Whitfield on the right, Ricci Edwards and Matt Wooliscroft in central defence, and Alex Bayley on the left. Nick Fricker played as the holding midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball effectively. Ahead of him, the trio of Jay Blood on the right, Henri Royals in the central attacking midfield role, and Shane Reaney on the left were expected to create chances for the two forwards, Craig Cookson and Ashley Ibbs.
The substitutes for Wedgwood FC included Ben Deakin, Callum Henry, Jordan Coleman, and Archie Wemyss, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The home side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Shane Reaney scoring a fluke goal just two minutes into the match. This early strike set the tone for what was to come. By the fifth minute, Alex Bayley doubled the lead, finishing off a well-worked move with a right-footed shot, assisted by Henri Royals.
Stone Nomads struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from Wedgwood, and in the seventh minute, Ricci Edwards made a crucial clearance to maintain the two-goal cushion. However, the home side continued to create chances, with Jay Blood and Craig Cookson both going close in the first half, although their attempts either went wide or high.
As the first half progressed, Cookson finally found the net in the 42nd minute, converting a pass from Ashley Ibbs. Just a minute later, Cookson struck again, scoring his second goal of the match, again assisted by Ibbs, leaving the score at 4-0 at half-time.
The second half began with a flurry of substitutions for Wedgwood FC, as Ben Deakin, Callum Henry, and Jordan Coleman were introduced shortly after the break. The fresh legs continued to push the tempo, but it was Shane Reaney who had the first real chance of the half, only to see his effort saved in the 51st minute.
In the 60th minute, Callum Henry added to the tally with a spectacular long-range effort, a true screamer that left the Stone Nomads goalkeeper with no chance. However, the visitors managed to pull one back in the 66th minute, scoring their only goal of the match, which briefly lifted their spirits.
Undeterred, Wedgwood FC responded swiftly, with Ben Deakin scoring in the 72nd minute to restore the five-goal advantage. The relentless Cookson then completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute, once again assisted by Ashley Ibbs, showcasing the home side's attacking prowess.
As the match drew to a close, Shane Reaney capped off a remarkable performance by scoring his second goal in the 88th minute, bringing the final score to an astonishing 8-1. The home crowd erupted in celebration, and the players left the pitch with their heads held high, having delivered a masterclass in football.
Henri Royals was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match, orchestrating play from midfield and contributing significantly to the team's success. This victory not only boosts Wedgwood FC's confidence but also sends a clear message to their league rivals.
