Wedgwood FC faced off against Queensbury in a gripping league match at Limevale Road on 28 August 2025, kicking off at 6:30pm. The visitors emerged victorious with a final score of 4-2, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience throughout the contest.
Wedgwood FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Matt Wooliscroft took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Owen Taylor and Alex Bayley as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Jordan Coleman and Ricci Edwards forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Nick Fricker and Joshua Cartwright operated as central midfielders, tasked with controlling the tempo and linking play. Ahead of them, Shane Reaney and Jay Blood occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles, while Craig Cookson played centrally behind lone striker Niall Cartlidge. The substitutes for the match included Jack Ward, Garry Rushton, Kieren Forrester, and Jack Farmer.
The match began with an early defensive display from Owen Taylor, who made a crucial interception in the third minute, setting the tone for Wedgwood's defensive solidity. Just moments later, goalkeeper Matt Wooliscroft showcased his composure by catching a cross, further solidifying the team's confidence.
As the game progressed, Jordan Coleman made a vital tackle in the 13th minute, demonstrating the team's commitment to defending. Niall Cartlidge then had a chance to open the scoring in the 16th minute but sent his attempt wide of the target. However, Taylor's long pass shortly after created a significant opportunity, while Shane Reaney also contributed with a well-placed long pass, both highlighting Wedgwood's attacking intent.
In the 21st minute, Craig Cookson's clever flick created another chance, but the visitors remained resolute. Nick Fricker's interception in the same minute ensured that Queensbury's advances were thwarted. Jay Blood had another opportunity in the 22nd minute, but his effort went wide, indicating that Wedgwood was beginning to find their rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Cookson unleashed a stunning long-range strike, finding the back of the net and giving Wedgwood a 1-0 lead. However, Queensbury responded with a penalty in the 36th minute, equalising the score at 1-1.
As the first half drew to a close, Jay Blood had a chance to regain the lead for Wedgwood, but his shot was saved, leaving the teams level at half-time.
The second half commenced with Blood again testing the Queensbury goalkeeper in the 48th minute, but his effort was saved once more. In the 53rd minute, tactical changes were made as Jack Ward replaced Joshua Cartwright, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
The 55th minute saw a pivotal moment as Jay Blood capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to score with his left foot, restoring Wedgwood's lead at 2-1. Queensbury struggled to respond, and in the 60th minute, Garry Rushton came on for Niall Cartlidge, further bolstering Wedgwood's attacking options.
As the match approached the 70th minute, Kieren Forrester replaced Craig Cookson, and Alex Bayley made a crucial tackle to prevent a Queensbury chance, showcasing the team's defensive resilience. In the 72nd minute, Garry Rushton scored a spectacular long-range strike, extending Wedgwood's lead to 3-1.
Queensbury managed to pull one back in the 78th minute, narrowing the score to 3-2, but Wedgwood remained composed. In the 83rd minute, Nick Fricker capped off a fine performance by scoring a long-range strike, sealing the match at 4-2.
The final whistle confirmed Wedgwood FC's impressive victory, a testament to their attacking flair and defensive organisation, as they celebrated a well-deserved three points on the road.
