Wedgwood FC 2 vs 0 Bradwell FC

Wedgwood FC welcomed Bradwell FC to the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club on 26 July 2026 for a friendly 11-a-side match, kicking off at 10:30am. The hosts emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline after a competitive 90 minutes plus added time.

Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Ethan Wheeldon in goal. The defensive line consisted of Tom Birks at right back, Cam Gardiner and Ben Woolley as central defenders, and Alex Bayley on the left. Brandyn Williams and Kyle Johnson operated as the two central midfielders, tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio featured Owen Taylor on the right, Brad Lewis centrally, and Tom Raketic on the left, supporting lone striker Ryan Malbon. The substitutes named were Abdullah Khan, Qasim Ditta, and Liam Harrold.

From the outset, Wedgwood demonstrated defensive solidity and attacking intent. Early on, Ben Woolley cleared a header in the third minute, while Brandyn Williams delivered a long key pass creating a chance. Kyle Johnson attempted a shot shortly after, albeit over the bar. The defence remained alert as Cam Gardiner cleared danger in the fourth minute and Tom Birks blocked an effort at eight minutes. Alex Bayley also tested the opposition keeper with a high attempt at nine minutes, signalling Wedgwood’s attacking threat.

Goalkeeper Ethan Wheeldon was called into action at 12 minutes, comfortably catching a Bradwell effort. Wedgwood’s forward play gained momentum as Ryan Malbon provided a slide rule pass at 19 minutes, setting up Brad Lewis for a high shot. The midfield continued to orchestrate chances with Kyle Johnson and Brandyn Williams both delivering long passes at 25 minutes, creating openings. Malbon came agonisingly close to scoring when his shot hit the post at 26 minutes, followed by a long pass from Alex Bayley that led to another chance. Malbon’s subsequent effort was saved at 28 minutes.

A tactical substitution saw Abdullah Khan replace Owen Taylor at 33 minutes, shortly before Malbon and Lewis both had shots saved, maintaining the goalless deadlock. The breakthrough came at 39 minutes when Kyle Johnson’s long pass found Malbon, who struck a long-range right-footed shot into the net. Just three minutes later, Brandyn Williams delivered a cross that Tom Raketic volleyed with his left foot from distance, producing a spectacular screamer to double Wedgwood’s lead. The first half concluded with Wedgwood firmly in control at 2-0.

The second half began with Cam Gardiner intercepting a Bradwell move at 47 minutes, maintaining defensive composure. Malbon continued to press, but his shot was saved at 55 minutes. Tom Birks intercepted a threat at 56 minutes, while Raketic provided another long pass at 57 minutes, keeping Wedgwood’s attacking rhythm. At 63 minutes, an injury forced Malbon off, with Qasim Ditta coming on in his place.

Wedgwood’s midfield intercepted a Bradwell attack through Kyle Johnson at 65 minutes, and Wheeldon made an important interception at 68 minutes to thwart danger. Tactical changes followed with Owen Taylor returning to replace Kyle Johnson at 74 minutes, and Liam Harrold coming on for Abdullah Khan at 77 minutes. Ben Woolley intercepted a threat at 84 minutes, demonstrating defensive resilience.

In the closing stages, Qasim Ditta’s attempt was saved at 89 minutes, but Liam Harrold quickly responded with a long key pass and an interception, helping Wedgwood maintain control until the final whistle. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Wedgwood FC, who showcased a blend of defensive discipline and attacking prowess.

Kyle Johnson and Tom Raketic were named players of the match for their influential performances in midfield and attack, respectively, underpinning Wedgwood’s commanding display.