Wedgwood FC Fall To Narrow 2-1 Defeat At Werrington Sports Ground

Wedgwood FC travelled to Werrington Sports Ground on the morning of 19 October 2025 to face Mave in a crucial cup away tie, kicking off promptly at 10:30am. Despite a spirited performance, Wedgwood were edged out 2-1 by their opponents after 90 minutes of competitive football.

Wedgwood lined up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ethan Wheeldon guarding the goal. The back four consisted of Jack Ward at right back, Jordan Coleman and Brendon Whitfield as central defenders, and Alex Bayley on the left. In midfield, EJ Laverty and Kei Parsons operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both defensive duties and linking play. Ahead of them, Shane Reaney occupied the right attacking midfield role, Niall Cartlidge played centrally behind the striker, and Kieren Forrester took up the left attacking midfield position. Leading the line was striker Shane Mathews. Nick Fricker was named among the substitutes.

The match began at a brisk pace with Wedgwood showing early intent. Within five minutes, Jordan Coleman made a crucial clearance to deny Mave a promising chance, immediately followed by an attempt on goal from Shane Mathews, signalling Wedgwood’s attacking intent. Kei Parsons then delivered a precise long pass in the ninth minute, which was quickly complemented by an interception from Alex Bayley, halting Mave’s counterattack.

Wedgwood’s attacking midfield trio began to combine effectively, with Shane Reaney providing a long key pass in the tenth minute that created a chance, quickly followed by EJ Laverty’s own long pass a minute later, also leading to a scoring opportunity. Defensively, Jordan Coleman remained alert, clearing another danger in the 17th minute, while Jack Ward contributed with a clearance of his own five minutes later.

Niall Cartlidge had an opportunity to take an early lead but failed to hit the target putting his shot wide. This showed Wedgwood’s willingness to press forward. Brendon Whitfield’s interception at the 29th minute further demonstrated the defensive resilience of the visitors. However, despite a saved attempt by Kei Parsons in the 37th minute, Mave drew first blood just before half-time when they converted a penalty in the 44th minute.

At the interval, Wedgwood made a forced change due to injury, with Nick Fricker replacing Kieren Forrester. The team regrouped for the second half determined to overturn the deficit.

Early in the second period, Wedgwood’s attacking threat was evident as Shane Mathews executed a flick that created a chance in the 54th minute, assisted by a long pass from substitute Nick Fricker. Ethan Wheeldon was called into action with a sharp dive at his feet in the 63rd minute to keep Wedgwood in the contest. Shortly after, Wedgwood made another substitution, reintroducing Kieren Forrester in place of Alex Bayley, adjusting their defensive line.

Mave extended their lead in the 84th minute with a second goal, putting Wedgwood on the back foot. Nevertheless, Wedgwood responded swiftly through Shane Reaney, who netted in the 87th minute courtesy of an assist from Niall Cartlidge, reigniting hope for a late comeback.

Despite their efforts, Wedgwood could not find an equaliser before the final whistle, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. Jordan Coleman’s defensive performances stood out throughout the match, earning him the player of the match accolade for his timely clearances and interceptions that kept Wedgwood competitive against a strong Mave side.