Wigmore Wanderers Secure 4-2 Win Over Strood Reserves

Wigmore Wanderers FC hosted Strood Reserves at Hempstead Recreation Ground #1 on 12 October 2025, with a 10:30am kick-off in a league fixture. The home side emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline after a pulsating 90 minutes of football.

Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, deploying Zach Henderson in goal behind a back four consisting of Ben Brewster at right back, central defenders Alex Toms and Finley Leah, and Harvey Edkins on the left. The midfield trio featured Harley Tutt on the right, Leon Vidler centrally, and Liam Apps on the left, tasked with both defensive cover and creative support. Up front, the attacking trio comprised Jack Downey on the right wing, Kai Wong leading the line as striker, and Jason Yuen on the left wing, expected to provide width, pace, and goal threat. The substitutes bench included George Hennessy, Charlie Ivey, James Lundie, and Tom Spearink.

The match began with Wigmore asserting early dominance, and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Kai Wong delivered a precise cross into the box, where Jack Downey rose highest to power a close-range header beyond the Strood goalkeeper. The goal was a testament to the Wanderers’ attacking intent and aerial prowess.

Wigmore doubled their advantage before half-time, with Jason Yuen playing a key role. In the 38th minute, Yuen provided a neat short pass inside the box to Downey, who calmly slotted home with his right foot to make it 2-0. The home side’s fluid attacking play was clearly causing problems for the visitors.

Just before the break, tactical changes began as George Hennessy replaced Kai Wong in the 43rd minute, signalling a shift in approach. The half concluded with Wigmore comfortably ahead at 2-0.

The second half saw further tactical adjustments as Charlie Ivey came on for Leon Vidler immediately after the interval. Strood Reserves responded quickly, pulling a goal back in the 51st minute with a right-footed finish inside the box that reduced the deficit to 2-1.

Wigmore made another substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on James Lundie for Jason Yuen to freshen the attack. However, the visitors capitalised again in the 73rd minute, levelling the score at 2-2 with another clinical finish inside the box.

The home side then made a flurry of changes: Kai Wong returned to replace George Hennessy in the 69th minute, followed swiftly by Leon Vidler coming back on for Charlie Ivey a minute later. In the 75th minute, Jason Yuen re-entered the fray due to an injury to Jack Downey, while Tom Spearink replaced the injured Alex Toms in defence at 81 minutes.

Wigmore regained the lead in the 82nd minute when Kai Wong delivered a pinpoint cross that Jason Yuen met with a powerful header, restoring the Wanderers’ advantage at 3-2. This goal was crucial in swinging momentum back in favour of the hosts.

In the 85th minute, Charlie Ivey returned once more, this time replacing the injured Harley Tutt. The home side sealed the victory in the 90th minute when James Lundie scored from inside the box, expertly finishing with his left foot following a clever flick assist from Charlie Ivey.

Throughout the match, Finley Leah stood out with a commanding defensive display, earning him the player of the match accolade. His leadership and composure at the back were vital in securing the three points.

The referee officiated the game with authority and consistency, contributing to a well-managed contest witnessed by 17 spectators. Wigmore Wanderers’ 4-2 triumph over Strood Reserves was a hard-fought and entertaining encounter, showcasing tactical flexibility and attacking quality.