Wigmore Wanderers Suffer Heavy Defeat At Hempstead Recreation Ground

Wigmore Wanderers FC hosted ASK Pentagon at Hempstead Recreation Ground #1 on the morning of 30 November 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a league fixture. The home side endured a difficult day, succumbing to a 5-0 defeat against a clinical ASK Pentagon side in front of a modest crowd of 11 spectators.

Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Harley Tutt took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with Ben Brewster and Harvey Edkins deployed as right and left defenders respectively. The central defensive partnership consisted of Finley Leah and Alex Toms. In midfield, Leon Vidler and Liam Apps operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both breaking up play and initiating attacks, while Jason Yuen played just ahead of them in an attacking midfield role. The front three featured Tom Spearink on the right, James Lundie as the central striker, and George Hennessy on the left, expected to provide width and goal threat. The substitutes bench included George Alp, Kai Wong, Harry Smith, and Ronnie Porter.

The match began with ASK Pentagon asserting early dominance, and their pressure paid off in the 23rd minute when they opened the scoring with a right-footed finish from inside the box. Wigmore Wanderers responded by making their first tactical substitution seven minutes later, replacing right defender Ben Brewster with George Alp in an attempt to shore up the defence.

However, ASK Pentagon continued to capitalise on their momentum, doubling their lead in the 33rd minute through a towering header. Wigmore Wanderers made further changes before half-time, with Liam Apps making way for Kai Wong at 35 minutes and Harvey Edkins replaced by Harry Smith at 41 minutes. The visitors added a third goal just before the break, a powerful long-range strike with the right foot that left the goalkeeper with little chance.

The first half concluded with ASK Pentagon firmly in control at 3-0. Wigmore Wanderers made two immediate tactical substitutions at the interval, bringing back Ben Brewster for Tom Spearink and reintroducing Liam Apps in place of Alex Toms, signalling a reshuffle in defence and midfield to try and stem the tide.

Despite these changes, ASK Pentagon extended their lead in the 53rd minute with another right-footed finish inside the box. Wigmore Wanderers continued to rotate their squad, with Ronnie Porter coming on for James Lundie at 59 minutes and Alex Toms returning to replace Leon Vidler at 74 minutes.

The visitors were relentless, scoring their fifth goal at the 75th minute with a close-range tap-in, effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Wigmore Wanderers made two late substitutions, reintroducing James Lundie for Jason Yuen at 83 minutes and Harvey Edkins returning for Finley Leah at 86 minutes, but the damage was already done.

Ronnie Porter, introduced early in the second half, was named player of the match for his efforts in a losing cause, showing determination and energy despite the heavy scoreline. The referee maintained control throughout, with a solid performance rated at 70.

In summary, Wigmore Wanderers were outplayed by a clinical ASK Pentagon side who punished defensive lapses and maintained relentless pressure throughout the 90 minutes. The home side will need to regroup quickly after this comprehensive defeat on home soil.