Wigmore Wanderers FC delivered a stunning performance against Walderslade WMC, securing a resounding 7-0 victory in their league encounter at Barnfield Playing Fields #2 on 22 December 2024. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the Wanderers showcased their attacking prowess throughout the game, leaving their opponents in disarray.
Wigmore adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing ample support to their front three. Zach Henderson stood firm in goal, with Harley Tutt, Alex Toms, and Harvey Edkins forming a solid back three. The midfield quartet consisted of Ben Brewster and Harry Smith on the flanks, with Dan Bailey and Charlie Ivey operating centrally. Up front, Jack Downey, James Lundie, and Ronnie Porter were tasked with leading the line, utilising their pace and creativity to exploit any gaps in the Walderslade defence.
The substitutes for the Wanderers included George Hennessy, Liam Apps, Tom Spearink, Ben Hetterley, and George Alp, who would later play pivotal roles in the match as tactical changes were made.
The scoring began in the 10th minute when Harry Smith converted a penalty, awarded after a foul on Jack Downey. Smith coolly slotted the ball home with his left foot, giving Wigmore an early lead. The Wanderers continued to press, and their dominance was evident as they controlled possession and created numerous chances.
In the 29th minute, George Hennessy replaced Ronnie Porter, followed shortly by Liam Apps coming on for Charlie Ivey in the 30th minute, both tactical substitutions aimed at maintaining momentum. Just before half-time, in the 42nd minute, Jack Downey doubled the lead with a close-range tap-in, assisted by Hennessy’s cross, sending the Wanderers into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half saw immediate changes as Ben Hetterley and Tom Spearink were introduced for James Lundie and Ben Brewster, respectively, at the start of the half. The Wanderers continued their relentless assault, and in the 62nd minute, Hetterley scored with a well-placed right-footed shot inside the box, courtesy of a short pass from Liam Apps.
The scoring continued in the 66th minute when George Hennessy headed home from a corner delivered by Jack Downey, extending the lead to 4-0. Just two minutes later, Downey himself found the net again, finishing from inside the box after a long pass from Charlie Ivey, showcasing the Wanderers’ attacking fluidity.
In the 71st minute, Ronnie Porter re-entered the fray, replacing Downey, who had been instrumental in the attack. Harley Tutt made way for Harvey Edkins in the 75th minute, as the Wanderers looked to maintain their defensive solidity while still pushing forward.
The fifth goal came in the 80th minute when George Alp scored with a header from a free-kick taken by Hennessy, demonstrating the Wanderers’ set-piece prowess. Shortly after, Ben Brewster returned to the pitch, replacing Alex Toms, as the Wanderers continued to rotate their squad.
In the 81st minute, Jack Downey made way for Harry Smith, who had already made his mark on the game. The final substitution saw James Lundie come on for Dan Bailey in the 84th minute, as Wigmore looked to see out the game with a commanding lead.
The scoring was capped off in the dying moments of the match, with Downey netting his third goal of the game in the 90th minute, finishing from close range after a short pass from Hetterley. This emphatic victory highlighted Wigmore Wanderers' attacking capabilities and solidified their position in the league, leaving Walderslade WMC to ponder their defensive frailties.
