Wigmore Wanderers FC welcomed Medway United West to Beechings Way on 1 December 2024 for a cup tie that saw the home side emerge victorious with a resounding 4-1 win. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and despite a small crowd of 11, the atmosphere was electric as both teams battled for supremacy.
Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, designed to maximise width and attacking options. Zach Henderson took his place in goal, shielded by a central defensive trio comprising George Alp, flanked by Alex Toms on the right and Harvey Edkins on the left. The midfield was anchored by Dan Bailey and Jack Downey in central roles, while Tom Spearink and Harry Smith provided width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Ronnie Porter and George Hennessy supported striker James Lundie, with Hennessy expected to exploit spaces and create chances.
The substitutes for Wigmore included Chris Lichfield, Ben Brewster, Ben Hetterley, and Oli Dadson, who would be called upon as the match progressed.
The opening goal came in the 19th minute when George Hennessy scored directly from a corner kick, executing a stunning right-footed strike from long range that caught the opposition off guard. This early breakthrough set the tone for the Wanderers, who looked to dominate the game.
However, the lead was short-lived as Medway United West struck back in the 33rd minute. An opponent found the net with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box, bringing the score to 1-1 and momentarily silencing the home crowd.
The first half concluded with the teams level at 1-1, but the Wanderers were far from finished. The second half saw a flurry of activity, starting with a substitution in the 53rd minute as Ben Brewster replaced Tom Spearink, followed closely by Ben Hetterley coming on for James Lundie. These tactical changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
Just a minute later, the Wanderers regained the lead thanks to an own goal from a Medway player, who inadvertently tapped in a close-range effort following a short pass from Jack Downey. This goal, scored in the 54th minute, was a significant blow to the visitors.
Wigmore continued to press, and in the 69th minute, Ronnie Porter extended the lead to 3-1 with a brilliant left-footed strike from long range, again assisted by Downey. The Wanderers were now in full control, and the confidence was palpable.
The home side's dominance was further underscored in the 74th minute when Harvey Edkins scored from close range, converting a goalmouth scramble after a well-placed assist from George Alp. The score now stood at 4-1, and the Wanderers were in cruise control.
As the match approached its final stages, a series of substitutions were made. Tom Spearink returned to the pitch, replacing Ben Brewster in the 77th minute due to an injury. Shortly after, Oli Dadson came on for Harry Smith, and in the 80th minute, Chris Lichfield replaced Ronnie Porter, who had put in a commendable shift.
In the dying moments of the match, Wigmore were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute, but Ben Hetterley’s effort was saved, denying the Wanderers a fifth goal.
The referee's performance, while not exemplary, did not overshadow what was a commanding display from Wigmore Wanderers FC, who now look forward to the next round of the cup with confidence. George Alp's commanding presence at the back earned him the Player of the Match accolade, as his leadership and defensive prowess were pivotal in securing the victory.
