Wedgwood FC 3 vs 0 Dick Turpin

On the morning of 2 August 2026, Wedgwood FC welcomed Dick Turpin to the Wedgwood Sports and Social Club for a friendly 11-a-side encounter kicking off at 10:30am. Wedgwood FC emerged comfortable 3-0 victors in a match that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the 90 minutes plus added time.

Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Parry in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Jake Hart at right back, Cam Gardiner and Jordan Coleman as central defenders, and Tom Birks on the left. In midfield, Jake Tunstall and Abdullah Khan held the central midfield roles, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Brian Kakanou on the right wing, Henri Royals centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Tom Raketic on the left flank. Leading the line was Brad Lewis as the lone striker, expected to convert chances created by the attacking midfielders. Wedgwood’s substitutes included Liam Harrold, Ben Deakin, Saleem Mirza, Brendon Whitfield, Brad Gibson, Ricci Edwards, Qasim Ditta, and Owen Bott.

The match began with Wedgwood showing intent to control possession and territory. Early defensive interventions came from Jake Hart, who cleared danger inside the opening two minutes. Jordan Coleman demonstrated his vision with a long pass in the fourth minute, while Cam Gardiner was alert to block an attempt moments later. Parry’s distribution was also notable, as he launched a long pass to spark attacks at the fifth minute. Midfield dynamo Jake Tunstall played a key role in transitioning the ball forward, delivering a long pass in the sixth minute that was quickly followed by Brian Kakanou’s incisive long pass creating a clear chance.

Wedgwood’s right attacking midfielder, Kakanou, continued to impress with a clever flick at the 16th minute that set up a scoring opportunity, although Henri Royals’ subsequent attempt flew high over the bar. Defensive solidity was maintained by Abdullah Khan, who intercepted a threat at the 20th minute. Tom Raketic tested the opposition goalkeeper shortly after but was denied, and his injury forced an early substitution at 22 minutes, with Liam Harrold coming on to replace him.

The introduction of Harrold proved fruitful as he immediately contributed with a long pass creating another chance at 23 minutes. Tactical changes followed with Ben Deakin replacing Jake Hart and Saleem Mirza coming on for Abdullah Khan at 32 minutes, both aimed at maintaining Wedgwood’s dominance. Deakin’s long pass at 37 minutes kept the pressure on Dick Turpin’s defence. Just before half-time, Brendon Whitfield replaced Tom Birks, and Wedgwood finally broke the deadlock at 40 minutes when Harrold finished clinically with his right foot following a neat short pass from Royals.

As the first half drew to a close, Saleem Mirza’s effort was saved by the keeper, and further substitutions saw Brad Gibson replace Mirza and the injured Royals make way for Abdullah Khan again at 45 minutes. Wedgwood went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

The second half saw Jordan Coleman assert himself defensively with a vital tackle and interception in the opening minutes. Brendon Whitfield’s flick at the 50th minute created another chance, though Brad Lewis’s attempt went wide. Harrold’s defensive contribution was also key, blocking an effort at 51 minutes. Injury forced another change at 54 minutes, with Ricci Edwards coming on for Coleman, who had been solid until then. Edwards promptly cleared danger at 55 minutes.

Wedgwood’s resilience was tested further when Ben Deakin had to be replaced by Tom Birks due to injury at 61 minutes. Brad Gibson’s attempts at 63 and 66 minutes showed Wedgwood’s continued attacking threat, though one was high and the other saved. Tactical substitution saw Qasim Ditta replace Harrold at 72 minutes, and Ditta soon made his mark by scoring at 77 minutes, assisted by Brian Kakanou, doubling Wedgwood’s advantage.

Parry was called into action with a crucial dive at the feet of an opponent at 81 minutes, preserving the clean sheet. Moments later, Kakanou himself found the net at 82 minutes to seal the emphatic 3-0 victory. Tactical changes continued with Owen Bott replacing Kakanou at 83 minutes, and Bott quickly involved himself with key passes at 84 and 91 minutes, the latter creating a further chance in added time.

In the closing stages, Saleem Mirza returned to the pitch replacing Jake Tunstall at 87 minutes, ensuring fresh legs in midfield. Wedgwood’s control and attacking intent never waned, and the match ended with a comprehensive win.

Jake Tunstall was named player of the match for his influential role in midfield, orchestrating play and contributing key passes throughout. Wedgwood FC’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system, combined with tactical substitutions and clinical finishing, ensured a dominant performance over Dick Turpin at home.