Wedgwood FC hosted Bradwell FC at the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club on 28 September 2025, with a 10:30am kick-off in a league fixture that ended in a 4-2 defeat for the home side. Despite a spirited performance, Wedgwood were unable to contain their visitors, who secured all three points in an entertaining contest.
Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Ethan Wheeldon in goal behind a back four of Owen Taylor at right back, Jordan Coleman and Nick Fricker as central defenders, and Kieren Forrester at left back. The midfield double pivot featured George Barlow and Henri Royals, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, the attacking trio consisted of Jay Blood on the right wing, Craig Cookson centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Shane Reaney on the left flank. Leading the line was Niall Cartlidge as the lone striker. The substitutes bench included Lee Davies, EJ Laverty, and Jack Ward.
From the outset, Wedgwood showed intent with George Barlow delivering a long key pass in the second minute, immediately followed by a crucial interception from Henri Royals to halt Bradwell’s early advances. Jay Blood’s early attempt on goal went wide in the third minute, but the home side’s defensive resilience was evident as Owen Taylor executed a vital tackle in the fifth minute to disrupt Bradwell’s momentum.
Henri Royals was prominent in midfield, making an interception and attempting shots on goal, though his efforts were twice saved in the opening ten minutes. Jordan Coleman also contributed defensively with a well-timed header clearance. Ethan Wheeldon was alert between the sticks, making a sharp dive at the feet of an opponent in the eighth minute and comfortably catching a shot moments later.
The match’s physicality was underscored by two early yellow cards for Wedgwood players: George Barlow received a caution for a bad tackle in the 14th minute, followed by Henri Royals being booked for a similar offence six minutes later. Despite these setbacks, Wedgwood continued to press forward, with Shane Reaney creating a clear chance with a long pass in the 22nd minute and testing the goalkeeper with a saved effort three minutes later.
Defensively, Jordan Coleman made a crucial tackle in the 26th minute, while Kieren Forrester’s attempt on goal went wide three minutes later. However, the breakthrough came for Bradwell in the 35th minute, when they found the net to take the lead. Wedgwood responded with a tactical substitution just before the break, bringing on Lee Davies for Niall Cartlidge to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Henri Royals continued to seek opportunities, though his shot sailed high in the 38th minute. The first half concluded with Wedgwood trailing, despite a late wide effort from George Barlow.
The second half saw Wedgwood maintain their attacking impetus, with Royals again denied by the goalkeeper early on. Lee Davies made an important interception in the 49th minute, helping to stem Bradwell’s pressure. Craig Cookson twice tested the opposition keeper in quick succession around the 51st minute, but both attempts were saved.
Jay Blood contributed defensively with an interception in the 54th minute, and Royals provided a clever flick pass in the 55th minute to create further chances. However, Bradwell doubled their advantage in the 59th minute, extending their lead.
Wedgwood’s Shane Reaney responded with a slide rule pass in the 60th minute, setting up opportunities, but Bradwell struck again in the 68th minute, shortly after EJ Laverty replaced Jordan Coleman in a tactical switch.
Despite Wedgwood’s efforts, Bradwell’s dominance continued. Jordan Coleman, returning briefly to action, had a shot saved in the 70th minute. Tactical substitutions followed with Niall Cartlidge reintroduced for Jay Blood in the 76th minute, and Jack Ward replacing Jay Blood again in the 78th minute, signalling a reshuffle in the attacking line.
EJ Laverty also contributed with a long key pass in the 77th minute, keeping Wedgwood’s hopes alive. Shane Reaney and Craig Cookson both had attempts saved in the closing stages, showing persistence despite the scoreline.
George Barlow managed to pull one back with a headed goal in the 82nd minute, offering a glimmer of hope. However, Bradwell responded swiftly with a headed goal of their own in the 85th minute, restoring their two-goal cushion.
Craig Cookson was shown a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 87th minute, adding to Wedgwood’s disciplinary woes. In stoppage time, Jack Ward produced a spectacular screamer from outside the box with his right foot, narrowing the deficit to 4-2 and providing a late highlight for the home fans.
Owen Taylor capped off the defensive efforts with a crucial interception in the 92nd minute, preventing a further chance for Bradwell as the match drew to a close.
Henri Royals was named player of the match for his tireless work in midfield, combining defensive interceptions with multiple attempts on goal and key passes throughout the contest.
Ultimately, despite Wedgwood’s spirited display and late goals, Bradwell FC’s clinical finishing and sustained pressure secured them a 4-2 victory at the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club.
