Wigmore Wanderers FC faced Medway United West in a one-sided cup encounter at the Medway United West ground on 17 November 2024, with the Wanderers emerging victorious with a staggering scoreline of 10-0. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and it quickly became apparent that the Wanderers were in formidable form.
Wigmore Wanderers adopted an attacking 3-4-3 formation, with Zach Henderson in goal, supported by a back three of Alex Toms, George Alp, and Harvey Edkins. The midfield was anchored by Dan Bailey and Charlie Ivey in central roles, while Tom Spearink and Harry Smith provided width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Jack Downey and George Hennessy flanked striker James Lundie, who was expected to lead the line with his aerial prowess and finishing ability. The substitutes for the match included Ronnie Porter, Ben Hetterley, Ben Lucy, and Ben Brewster.
The Wanderers wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with James Lundie opening the scoring in the fifth minute. A precise cross from Harvey Edkins found Lundie, who expertly headed the ball into the net from close range. Just three minutes later, Lundie struck again, this time connecting with a cross from Jack Downey to double the lead with another header.
As the first half progressed, the Wanderers continued to apply pressure. In the 32nd minute, Tom Spearink added to the tally, scoring from a goalmouth scramble after a short pass from Charlie Ivey. The relentless attack saw Jack Downey score the fourth goal in the 37th minute, finishing off a long pass from George Hennessy with a composed right-footed shot inside the box.
The first half concluded with the Wanderers leading 4-0, and they made tactical changes at the break, bringing on Ben Brewster for Tom Spearink. The second half began with Ronnie Porter replacing Harry Smith in the 29th minute, a move that would prove pivotal.
Porter made an immediate impact, scoring the fifth goal in the 55th minute with a left-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Ben Hetterley’s cross. Just a minute later, Hetterley himself got on the scoresheet, tapping in from close range after a cross from Ben Brewster, making it 6-0.
The Wanderers were relentless, and Hetterley scored again in the 62nd minute, this time with a right-footed shot following a long pass from Jack Downey. The substitutions continued as Harry Smith returned to the pitch, replacing George Hennessy in the 63rd minute.
Ronnie Porter struck again in the 64th minute, scoring his second goal with a left-footed tap-in after a long pass from Hetterley, extending the lead to 8-0. The Wanderers made further substitutions, bringing on Tom Spearink for George Alp in the 70th minute and James Lundie for Ben Hetterley in the 74th minute.
As the match neared its conclusion, Harry Smith added the ninth goal in the 82nd minute, finishing a short pass from Lundie with a right-footed shot inside the box. The scoring frenzy was capped off in stoppage time when Ronnie Porter completed his hat-trick, tapping in from close range after a cross from George Hennessy, bringing the final score to an astonishing 10-0.
The referee's performance was commendable, allowing the game to flow while maintaining control over the proceedings. The Wanderers' attacking display was nothing short of sensational, with Ronnie Porter earning the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding contribution. This emphatic victory will surely boost the Wanderers' confidence as they progress in the cup competition.
