Wedgwood FC 2 vs 5 the clough

Wedgwood FC hosted The Clough at the Wedgwood Sports And Social Club on the morning of 9 August 2026, kicking off at 10:30am in a friendly 11-a-side encounter. Despite a spirited display, Wedgwood FC were ultimately outclassed, going down 5-2 after 90 minutes plus added time.

Wedgwood lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Parry started in goal, tasked with organising the backline. The defence comprised Tom Birks at right back, Brian Kakanou and Ben Deakin as central defenders, and Alex Bayley on the left flank. In midfield, Brandyn Williams and Jake Tunstall operated as the two holding central midfielders, expected to shield the defence and initiate attacks. Ahead of them, Shane Reaney occupied the right attacking midfield role, Brad Lewis took the central attacking midfield position, and Liam Harrold played on the left attacking midfield. Up front, Owen Bott led the line as the lone striker, charged with finishing chances created by the attacking trio. Wedgwood named no substitutes for this fixture.

The first half saw Wedgwood attempt to impose their 4-2-3-1 shape, with the midfield duo of Williams and Tunstall working hard to disrupt The Clough’s rhythm. The attacking midfielders, particularly Reaney and Harrold, looked to exploit the wide areas, while Lewis sought to link midfield and attack centrally. Owen Bott’s role was to hold up the ball and bring others into play, but The Clough’s defence remained resolute in the early exchanges.

At the 45-minute mark, the referee blew for half time with the scoreline reflecting The Clough’s dominance. Wedgwood had struggled to contain their opponents’ attacking threat, conceding multiple goals before the break. Despite their efforts, Wedgwood found it difficult to create clear-cut chances, and the visitors capitalised on defensive lapses.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with The Clough maintaining their pressure and Wedgwood trying to claw back some respectability. Wedgwood’s attacking midfielders pushed forward more aggressively, and Owen Bott managed to find the net twice, providing some consolation goals for the home side. However, The Clough’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline ensured they extended their lead to a convincing 5-2 victory.

Wedgwood’s defensive line, marshalled by Kakanou and Deakin, faced a relentless barrage, and although Parry made several saves, the visitors’ attacking prowess proved too much. The midfield pairing of Williams and Tunstall battled valiantly but were often overrun by The Clough’s dynamic play. The attacking trio of Reaney, Lewis, and Harrold showed glimpses of creativity but lacked the cutting edge needed to turn the tide.

In summary, Wedgwood FC’s 4-2-3-1 formation provided a framework for both defensive cover and attacking support, but The Clough’s superior execution and clinical finishing dictated the outcome. The 5-2 scoreline reflected a game in which Wedgwood were competitive at times but ultimately outplayed by a sharper, more effective opponent on the day.