Wedgwood FC And Ashwood FC Battle To Thrilling 4-4 Draw At Wedgwood

Wedgwood FC hosted Ashwood FC at the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club on 2nd November 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a pulsating league encounter that ended in a remarkable 4-4 draw after 90 minutes of action. The match showcased end-to-end football, with both sides exchanging blows in a contest full of drama and quality.

Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Ethan Wheeldon in goal behind a back four of Shane Reaney at right back, Jordan Coleman and Lee Davies as central defenders, and Alex Bayley at left back. The double pivot in midfield featured Nick Fricker and Connor Mathews, tasked with both breaking up play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking trio consisted of Jay Blood on the right, Craig Cookson centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Kei Parsons on the left, all supporting lone striker Niall Cartlidge. The substitutes available were Joe Hitchens, EJ Laverty, Archie Wemyss, and Kieren Forrester.

From the outset, Wedgwood sought to impose their attacking style. Early on, Craig Cookson delivered a long key pass in the 6th minute that created a promising chance, signalling the hosts’ intent. Jay Blood followed with a long pass at the 10-minute mark, though it failed to lead to a clear opportunity. Defensively, Jordan Coleman was alert to thwart Ashwood’s advances, making a crucial tackle in the 13th minute to prevent a chance.

The right-back Shane Reaney was influential, flicking a key pass in the 14th minute that created another opening for Wedgwood. However, Ashwood took the lead in the 17th minute from a direct free-kick, a moment of quality that tested Wedgwood’s resilience. Wedgwood responded immediately; Kei Parsons’ effort was saved in the 18th minute, while Alex Bayley intercepted a dangerous move moments later. Lee Davies also made an interception at the 20-minute mark, helping to steady the defence.

Connor Mathews attempted a flicked pass in the 20th minute, though it did not result in a chance, while Reaney again created an opportunity with a long pass in the 24th minute. Nick Fricker’s long pass in the 26th minute kept Wedgwood pushing forward. The first substitution came in the 31st minute when Joe Hitchens replaced Jay Blood, perhaps to inject fresh legs on the right flank.

Ashwood doubled their lead in the 36th minute, putting Wedgwood under further pressure. Wedgwood reacted swiftly with another change, EJ Laverty coming on for Niall Cartlidge in the 37th minute. Parsons continued to create chances, delivering a long pass in the 38th minute. Just before half-time, Wedgwood pulled one back through Lee Davies, who headed home a cross from Craig Cookson in the 41st minute, igniting hope among the home fans.

EJ Laverty had an attempt wide in the 42nd minute, but the half ended with Wedgwood trailing 2-1. The second half began with Ashwood extending their advantage again in the 48th minute. Wedgwood’s Joe Hitchens responded with a wide effort shortly after, showing the home side’s determination to fight back.

Alex Bayley’s tackle in the 50th minute prevented another Ashwood chance, and Hitchens had a shot saved moments later. Wedgwood’s persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when EJ Laverty scored, assisted by Shane Reaney, to level the scores at 3-3. Unfortunately, Lee Davies was forced off injured in the 54th minute, with Archie Wemyss coming on to replace him.

Nick Fricker continued to pull the strings, delivering a long pass in the 54th minute that led to Kei Parsons scoring in the 56th minute, putting Wedgwood ahead for the first time. The momentum stayed with Wedgwood as Joe Hitchens scored again in the 63rd minute, assisted by Parsons, to make it 5-3 on the scoreboard.

Ashwood were not finished, however, and pulled a goal back in the 74th minute to keep the contest alive. Tactical substitutions followed with Niall Cartlidge returning for Craig Cookson in the 77th minute and Kieren Forrester replacing Connor Mathews a minute later, as Wedgwood sought to maintain their lead.

Despite Wedgwood’s efforts, Ashwood found an equaliser to make it 4-4, sealing a thrilling draw. Throughout the match, Nick Fricker stood out with his commanding presence in midfield, orchestrating play and providing key passes that fuelled Wedgwood’s attacking moves.

In a game packed with goals, defensive interventions, and tactical changes, Wedgwood FC and Ashwood FC shared the spoils in a memorable encounter at the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club.