Audley fc 2 vs 3 Wedgwood FC

Wedgwood FC travelled to Audley Football Club on the morning of 4 October 2026 for a keenly contested cup tie, kicking off at 10:30am. In an intense 90 minutes plus added time, Wedgwood emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over Audley in this 11-a-side encounter. The away side battled back from behind twice to claim all three points in a pulsating cup clash.

Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Alfie Ridgway in goal behind a back four of Tom Birks at right back, Ricci Edwards and Cam Gardiner as the central defensive pairing, and Alyx Bayley at left back. The double pivot in midfield featured Callum George and Tom Edwards, tasked with both shielding the defence and linking play forward. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio consisted of Jake Hart on the right, Brad Lewis centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Brandyn Williams on the left, supporting lone striker Josef Capewell. Brendon Whitfield was named among the substitutes.

The match began with Wedgwood probing early on. Brandyn Williams fired an attempt wide in the third minute, signalling the visitors’ intent to attack down the flanks. Tom Edwards followed with a high effort at goal four minutes later, but the early pressure failed to yield a breakthrough. Defensively, Ricci Edwards was alert, clearing danger in the eighth minute and winning a crucial header moments later to keep Wedgwood in the contest.

Josef Capewell tested the Audley goalkeeper with a shot saved in the ninth minute, showing the striker’s sharpness inside the box. The defensive resilience continued as Cam Gardiner also cleared a header in the twelfth minute, helping to repel Audley’s advances. Wedgwood’s full-backs contributed to attacking moves, with Alyx Bayley delivering a long pass in the 17th minute that created a chance, quickly followed by Tom Birks’ own long pass a minute later, also setting up opportunities.

The game’s first substitution came early when Callum George was forced off injured in the 21st minute, replaced by Brendon Whitfield who immediately had to make a block six minutes later to deny Audley a clear chance. However, the hosts struck first in the 28th minute to take a 1-0 lead, putting Wedgwood on the back foot.

Wedgwood responded with attempts from Cam Gardiner and solid goalkeeping from Ridgway, who made a safe catch in the 36th minute and a full-stretch save just before half-time. The visitors’ persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Ricci Edwards rose highest to head home a corner delivered by Tom Edwards, levelling the score at 1-1.

The first half ended with Wedgwood showing resilience and composure to claw back parity, setting up a tense second period.

After the break, Wedgwood maintained defensive solidity with Brandyn Williams blocking a chance in the 52nd minute. Ridgway continued to impress between the sticks, pulling off another full-stretch save in the 56th minute to keep the scores level. Tom Edwards remained influential, providing a flick pass in the 59th minute that created a further opportunity for the visitors.

Audley regained the lead in the 76th minute with a direct free-kick, testing Wedgwood’s resolve once more. Cam Gardiner’s wide attempt two minutes later showed Wedgwood’s determination to respond. The match grew increasingly physical, with Tom Birks receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 86th minute.

In the dying moments, Brad Lewis emerged as the hero for Wedgwood. His first goal came in the 89th minute, a spectacular screamer that restored parity and ignited the away fans. Then, deep into injury time at the 93rd minute mark, Lewis completed his brace with a solo effort expertly set up by Josef Capewell, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Wedgwood.

Tom Birks’ tireless work at right back earned him the player of the match accolade, reflecting his defensive contributions and key passes throughout the contest.

Wedgwood’s 4-2-3-1 system ultimately paid dividends as they overcame adversity and a hostile atmosphere to progress in the cup, thanks largely to Brad Lewis’ late heroics and a disciplined team performance.