Wigmore Wanderers FC hosted Hempstead Valley First at Beechings Way on 3rd November 2024, with kick-off at 10:30 am. The home side delivered a stunning performance, securing an emphatic 8-0 victory that showcased their attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a dynamic 3-4-3 formation, designed to maximise their offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Zach Henderson occupied the goalkeeping position, with George Alp, Alex Toms, and Harley Tutt forming a resolute back three. The midfield quartet consisted of Tom Spearink on the right, Dan Bailey and Ben Lucy centrally, and Harry Smith on the left, providing both width and support to the attack. Up front, Ronnie Porter and George Hennessy flanked striker James Lundie, creating a potent attacking trio expected to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents.
The substitutes for Wigmore included Jack Downey, Liam Apps, and Harvey Edkins, who would all play a role in the match as the game unfolded.
The scoring opened in the 10th minute when George Hennessy tapped in from close range, assisted by Ronnie Porter’s precise short pass. This early goal set the tone for the match, with Wigmore Wanderers quickly asserting their dominance. Just five minutes later, Ronnie Porter doubled the lead, converting another close-range effort, this time from a long pass delivered by Ben Lucy.
As the first half progressed, tactical adjustments were made, with Jack Downey replacing Tom Spearink in the 28th minute. Shortly after, in the 31st minute, Downey's introduction was necessitated by an injury to Porter, who was substituted for Spearink. The Wanderers continued to control the game, with Ben Lucy making way for Liam Apps in the 36th minute as part of a tactical reshuffle.
The first half concluded with Wigmore leading 2-0, and the second half began with a renewed sense of urgency. Just four minutes in, Jack Downey marked his entry onto the pitch with a goal, finishing inside the box after a short pass from James Lundie. Downey struck again in the 52nd minute, netting his second goal, this time with a flick from Tom Spearink’s assist.
Wigmore's relentless attack showed no signs of abating, and in the 60th minute, Harry Smith added to the tally with a well-placed shot inside the box, following a free kick taken by Liam Apps. The scoring continued as Ronnie Porter returned to the pitch in the 61st minute, replacing the injured Harry Smith, who had made a significant impact.
Further substitutions saw Ben Lucy come on for Dan Bailey in the 64th minute, and George Alp replace Alex Toms in the 71st minute, as Wigmore sought to maintain their momentum. In the 76th minute, Downey completed his hat-trick, scoring from close range after receiving a short pass from Harry Smith.
The final stages of the match saw Harry Smith score again in the 84th minute, converting a chance inside the box from Ben Lucy’s assist. Just a minute later, Ronnie Porter capped off the scoring with a header in the 85th minute, expertly connecting with a cross from Tom Spearink.
As the match drew to a close, Dan Bailey returned to the pitch in the 86th minute, replacing Liam Apps, but the damage had already been done. The referee, who received high praise for his performance, brought the match to an end with the scoreline firmly in favour of Wigmore Wanderers at 8-0.
Jack Downey’s standout performance earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, having scored three goals and significantly contributing to the team’s overwhelming victory. The Wanderers will take great confidence from this display as they look to build on their success in the upcoming fixtures.
