Wedgwood FC Sit At The Top For Christmas After A 5-1 Vi

Wedgwood FC welcomed AFC Stoke Tavern to the Wedgwood Sports and Social Club on 15 December 2024 for a league encounter that kicked off at 10:30 am. The home side delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 5-1 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the match.

Wedgwood FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing ample support to their lone striker. Chris Dyer took his place in goal, with a back four consisting of Jay Blood on the right, Nick Bennet and Jordan Coleman as central defenders, and Alex Bayley on the left. The midfield duo of Shane Reaney and George Barlow provided a solid base, while Ashley Ibbs and Kai Parsons operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting Craig Cookson, who played just behind striker Owen Bott.

The substitutes for Wedgwood FC included Brendon Whitfield, who would later make an impact in the second half.

The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Wedgwood FC who struck first. In the 11th minute, Craig Cookson converted a penalty, giving his side an early lead. This was followed by a flurry of attempts from Owen Bott and Shane Reaney, both of which went wide or were saved, indicating Wedgwood's intent to dominate the game.

As the first half progressed, Cookson continued to be a key figure, providing a short pass assist to Bott in the 35th minute, who doubled the lead with a well-placed shot. The home side's defensive unit, led by Coleman and Bennet, remained resolute, with Coleman making a crucial clearance in the 12th minute to maintain their advantage.

Just before the half-time whistle, Ashley Ibbs added a third goal for Wedgwood FC, finishing off a move initiated by Bott's assist. The first half concluded with the score at 3-0, leaving AFC Stoke Tavern with a mountain to climb.

The second half saw a substitution for Wedgwood FC, with Brendon Whitfield replacing Alex Bayley. The home side continued to assert their dominance, with Jay Blood making a series of defensive contributions, including a header in the 48th minute and a crucial tackle in the 55th minute to prevent a potential chance for the visitors.

AFC Stoke Tavern managed to find the back of the net in the 69th minute, pulling one back and briefly igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Wedgwood FC quickly extinguished those flames. In the 82nd minute, Blood scored a goal following a defensive mistake from the opposition, restoring the three-goal cushion.

The scoring was capped off in the dying moments of the match when Kai Parsons netted the fifth goal for Wedgwood FC, assisted by Blood's long pass. The final whistle blew, confirming a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Wedgwood FC, who showcased their attacking flair and defensive resilience throughout the match.