Wigmore Wanderers FC faced off against Woodcoombe in a thrilling cup match at the Murston Recreation Ground on 9th March 2025, kicking off at 10:30 am. The Wanderers emerged victorious with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience throughout the encounter.
Wigmore Wanderers adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to utilise their attacking talents effectively while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Zach Henderson took his place in goal, shielded by a trio of defenders: Alex Toms on the right, Harley Tutt in the centre, and Harvey Edkins on the left. The midfield was anchored by Liam Apps and Charlie Ivey in central roles, with Tom Spearink providing width on the right and Harry Smith on the left. Up front, Jack Downey and George Hennessy flanked striker James Lundie, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for the match included Ben Brewster and George Alp, who would later play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.
The Wanderers opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Charlie Ivey found the back of the net, courtesy of a precise short pass from Jack Downey. This early goal set the tone for the match, as Wigmore looked to assert their dominance.
However, the tide shifted just before half-time when Woodcoombe equalised in the 45th minute. A well-placed shot from inside the box found its way past Henderson, leaving the teams level at the break.
As the second half commenced, Wigmore made tactical adjustments, bringing on George Alp for Ivey immediately after the restart. The changes aimed to bolster their midfield presence and regain control of the game.
In the 60th minute, Harley Tutt was substituted for Charlie Ivey, who returned to the pitch to add fresh legs to the Wanderers' attack. Shortly after, in the 63rd minute, James Lundie re-entered the fray, replacing Tom Spearink as Wigmore sought to exploit the flanks more effectively.
The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when George Hennessy scored, assisted by Ben Brewster's excellent cross. Hennessy's close-range finish restored Wigmore's lead, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
The match took a contentious turn in the 72nd minute when George Alp received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a moment that could have shifted momentum had it not been for the Wanderers' resilience.
In the 76th minute, Harley Tutt returned to the pitch, replacing Alp as the Wanderers looked to solidify their defence. Just a minute later, James Lundie struck again, this time from outside the box, with a flick assist from Hennessy. Lundie's right-footed effort sealed the game for Wigmore, pushing the score to 3-1.
As the match approached its conclusion, Tom Spearink came on for Charlie Ivey in the 89th minute due to injury, ensuring that the Wanderers maintained their tactical shape. In a dramatic finale, Zach Henderson showcased his goalkeeping prowess by saving a penalty in the 90th minute, preserving the two-goal cushion and securing the victory for Wigmore Wanderers.
The match concluded with a resounding 3-1 victory for Wigmore Wanderers, who will take great confidence into their next fixture, buoyed by a strong team performance and standout displays from key players, particularly Liam Apps, who was named Player of the Match.
