Wigmore Wanderers Dominate Rochester First In 5-1 Cup Rout

Wigmore Wanderers FC travelled to Luton Rec to face Rochester First in a cup away fixture on 25 January 2026, kicking off at 10:30am. The Wanderers produced a commanding display to secure a 5-1 victory after 90 minutes of football, with a tactical masterclass and clinical finishing proving decisive.

Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, deploying Zach Henderson in goal. The back four consisted of Ben Brewster at right back, Harvey Edkins and Alex Toms as central defenders, and Harry Smith on the left. In midfield, Leon Vidler and Liam Apps operated as the two central midfielders, tasked with both defensive cover and linking play. Kai Wong took the attacking midfield role, positioned just behind the three forwards. Up front, Ronnie Porter featured on the right wing, Jason Yuen led the line as the central striker, and George Hennessy played on the left wing. The substitutes named were Charlie Ivey, Tom Spearink, Jack Downey, and James Lundie.

The match began with Wigmore Wanderers asserting early dominance. Their first breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Harry Smith delivered a precise corner into the box, allowing Jason Yuen to rise highest and power a close-range header past the Rochester goalkeeper. Just two minutes later, Harvey Edkins launched a long pass forward that found Ronnie Porter, who finished expertly from close range to double the Wanderers’ lead.

Shortly after, tactical changes began with Charlie Ivey replacing Kai Wong in the 26th minute, signalling a shift in Wigmore’s attacking approach. However, Rochester First responded with a goal of their own in the 32nd minute, as their forward capitalised on space inside the box to slot a right-footed finish past Henderson, halving the deficit.

Wigmore’s response was swift and emphatic. At the 35-minute mark, Tom Spearink came on for Ben Brewster, reinforcing the defensive line. This proved effective as the Wanderers regained control and extended their lead before half-time. In the 41st minute, Charlie Ivey combined with George Hennessy, whose short pass set up Ivey to assist Hennessy’s right-footed finish inside the box, restoring a two-goal cushion.

The first half concluded with Wigmore Wanderers leading 3-1, having showcased both attacking flair and defensive resilience. At the interval, tactical substitutions saw James Lundie replace Leon Vidler and Jack Downey come on for Ronnie Porter, indicating a fresh approach for the second half.

The second half saw further adjustments with Kai Wong returning to the field in place of Jason Yuen in the 63rd minute. This change paid dividends in the 71st minute when Jack Downey volleyed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box, following a neat short pass from George Hennessy, to make it 4-1.

Wigmore’s tactical reshuffle continued with multiple substitutions at the 71st minute: Ben Brewster returned to the right back position replacing Harvey Edkins, while Leon Vidler came back on for Liam Apps, shoring up midfield and defence. Five minutes later, Ronnie Porter was reintroduced on the right wing, replacing George Hennessy.

Porter made an immediate impact, scoring his second goal of the match in the 78th minute during a frantic goalmouth scramble, slotting home with his left foot from close range to seal a commanding 5-1 lead.

Further tactical substitutions followed with Harvey Edkins replacing Harry Smith at left back in the 81st minute and Jason Yuen returning to the pitch for Charlie Ivey in the 86th minute, allowing Wigmore to maintain their intensity and close out the game comfortably.

The referee officiated the match with authority, earning a commendable performance rating of 90. The modest crowd of 14 witnessed a dominant display from Wigmore Wanderers, who combined tactical flexibility with clinical finishing to secure a comprehensive victory.

Tom Spearink’s influential performance after coming on was recognised as player of the match, highlighting his vital contribution to both defence and attack during his time on the pitch.

In summary, Wigmore Wanderers’ 4-2-1-3 formation allowed them to control the midfield and exploit wide areas effectively, with their forwards capitalising on chances to produce a memorable cup win away from home.