Wedgwood FC 11 vs 2 Eastwood hanley

Wedgwood FC welcomed Eastwood Hanley to the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club on 1 November 2026 for a 10:30am league fixture that turned into a goal-fest, with the home side triumphing emphatically by 11-2. The match was played over the standard 90 minutes plus injury time, showcasing Wedgwood’s attacking prowess and tactical superiority.

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 Logan Mulland as central defenders, and Alyx Bayley at left back. The midfield double pivot consisted of Jake Tunstall and Kyle Johnson, tasked with both defensive cover and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the three attacking midfielders were Brad Lewis on the right, Sam Di Marco centrally, and Tom Raketic on the left, supporting lone striker Tom Edwards. The substitutes available were Shane Reaney, Brendon Whitfield, Kieren Forrester, Jake Hart, Ben Deakin, and Craig Cookson.

From the first whistle, Wedgwood FC imposed themselves on the game. Within just 60 seconds, Tom Edwards opened the scoring, finishing clinically after a precise assist from Tom Raketic. Edwards then tested the Eastwood Hanley goalkeeper again with a high attempt in the third minute, narrowly missing. Raketic followed with a wide effort three minutes later before making amends by netting himself in the seventh minute, assisted by Sam Di Marco, doubling the home side’s lead.

Kyle Johnson’s vision was evident in the 11th minute when he delivered a key pass that created a clear chance, signalling Wedgwood’s dominance in midfield. Tom Edwards continued his fine form by scoring again in the 14th minute, this time set up by Di Marco, who was proving a creative force. However, the same minute saw an early setback as Raketic was forced off injured, replaced by Shane Reaney.

Despite the injury, Wedgwood’s attacking intent did not wane. Alyx Bayley fired high over the bar in the 16th minute, while Jake Tunstall’s long pass in the 17th minute created another opportunity, quickly followed by key passes from Di Marco and Johnson, all within the same minute, underscoring the fluidity of Wedgwood’s attacking play. Ricci Edwards tested the opposition keeper with a shot saved in the 21st minute, and Tom Birks’ long pass shortly after led to a goal by substitute Shane Reaney, who had come on for Raketic, with Tunstall providing the assist.

Tom Edwards continued to influence proceedings with a flicked key pass in the 23rd minute, and Brad Lewis forced a save two minutes later. Eastwood Hanley managed to pull one back in the 26th minute, but Wedgwood’s response was swift. Tunstall’s shot was saved in the 29th minute, but Edwards scored again in the 31st minute, assisted by Kyle Johnson’s short pass. Bayley added to the tally in the 35th minute, followed by a saved attempt from Reaney in the 36th minute.

Sam Di Marco found the net in the 37th minute, assisted by Brad Lewis, further extending Wedgwood’s lead. An own goal by Eastwood Hanley in the 41st minute, following a pass from Tunstall, added to the visitors’ woes. Kyle Johnson continued to create chances with a long pass in the 43rd minute, and Edwards had a shot saved just before half-time. Reaney’s wide attempt in the 44th minute was among the last actions before the break.

At half-time, Wedgwood led comfortably and made two tactical substitutions immediately after the restart, bringing on Brendon Whitfield for Tom Birks and Kieren Forrester for Alyx Bayley. The changes paid dividends as Brad Lewis scored in the 47th minute, assisted by Sam Di Marco. The home side maintained pressure with attempts from Jake Tunstall and Shane Reaney, though some efforts went wide or were saved.

A tactical triple substitution in the 51st minute saw Jake Hart, Ben Deakin, and Craig Cookson replace Tom Edwards, Jake Tunstall, and Sam Di Marco respectively. Cookson made an instant impact, hitting the post with a shot. Logan Mulland was replaced by Tunstall due to injury in the 62nd minute, while Whitfield’s long pass in the 64th minute created another chance.

Ricci Edwards made a crucial tackle in the 67th minute but was later substituted due to injury, with Tom Birks returning to the field in his place. Ben Deakin’s long pass in the 72nd minute set up a scoring opportunity, and Brad Lewis capitalised by scoring in the 76th minute, assisted by Cookson. Cookson himself scored three minutes later, with Lewis providing the assist, showcasing the effective partnership between the two substitutes.

Craig Cookson’s shot was saved in the 84th minute, but key passes from Shane Reaney and Kyle Johnson in the 85th minute kept the pressure on Eastwood Hanley. Lewis had another attempt saved shortly after, and Cookson delivered a long pass in the 87th minute. Lewis’s wide effort in the 88th minute was among the final chances before Eastwood Hanley grabbed a consolation goal in the 91st minute due to a defensive mistake.

Wedgwood FC’s comprehensive 11-2 victory was built on relentless attacking play, clinical finishing, and effective tactical adjustments. Kyle Johnson’s influential midfield performance earned him the player of the match accolade, as he consistently created chances and linked play throughout the contest. This dominant display will surely boost Wedgwood’s confidence as they continue their league campaign.