Wigmore Wanderers FC secured a convincing 2-0 victory against New Road Athletic in a cup away match held at the Maidstone Road Sports Ground on 6th April 2025. The match kicked off at 3:30pm and saw the Wanderers advance in the competition with a solid performance.
Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining defensive solidity. Zach Henderson occupied the goalkeeping position, shielded by a back three consisting of Harley Tutt, Alex Toms, and Harvey Edkins. The midfield was anchored by Dan Bailey and Charlie Ivey in central roles, flanked by Ben Brewster on the right and Harry Smith on the left. Up front, Jack Downey and George Hennessy supported striker James Lundie, who was pivotal in the attacking setup.
The substitutes for the match included Ronnie Porter, Liam Apps, Joshua Igglesden, Tom Spearink, and George Alp, providing depth and tactical options for the Wanderers throughout the game.
The first half saw an early substitution for Wigmore as James Lundie was forced off due to injury in the 16th minute, making way for Ronnie Porter. Shortly after, in the 18th minute, Harvey Edkins received a yellow card for a bad tackle, adding a layer of tension to the match. Despite these setbacks, the Wanderers maintained their composure and continued to press forward.
As the teams headed into half-time, the score remained goalless, but the Wanderers were determined to make their mark in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, George Hennessy broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, scoring with a right-footed shot inside the box after a clever short pass from Jack Downey. The goal ignited the Wanderers' confidence and set the tone for the remainder of the match.
Three minutes later, in the 53rd minute, Joshua Igglesden doubled the lead for Wigmore. He capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, finding the net with another right-footed effort, this time assisted by Harley Tutt. The Wanderers were now firmly in control, leading 2-0 and looking to extend their advantage.
In the 58th minute, James Lundie returned to the pitch, replacing Harry Smith as the Wanderers sought to maintain their attacking momentum. Tactical substitutions continued to shape the game, with Tom Spearink coming on for Jack Downey in the 61st minute, and Dan Bailey re-entering the fray in place of Liam Apps in the 69th minute.
The match saw further changes as Ronnie Porter was substituted for Harry Smith in the 71st minute due to injury, while George Alp replaced Alex Toms in the 80th minute. The final tactical adjustments came in the 81st minute when Liam Apps returned to the pitch, taking over from Charlie Ivey, and in the 84th minute, Jack Downey was substituted for Ben Brewster, with Alex Toms also coming on for Harry Smith.
Despite the flurry of substitutions, Wigmore Wanderers maintained their composure and saw out the match with a solid defensive display, ensuring New Road Athletic could not find a way back into the game. The referee's performance was satisfactory, contributing to a well-managed contest.
With this victory, Wigmore Wanderers FC not only advanced in the cup but also showcased their depth and resilience, particularly in overcoming early challenges. The standout performer of the match was Ben Brewster, whose contributions in midfield were crucial to the Wanderers' success.
