Wigmore Wanderers Edge Thrilling 5-3 Win At Strood Reserves

Wigmore Wanderers FC travelled to face Strood Reserves in a pulsating league away fixture at Strood on 9 November 2025, kicking off at 11:05am. The Wanderers emerged victorious in a high-scoring encounter, clinching a 5-3 win after 90 minutes of intense football under the watchful eye of a referee who delivered a commanding performance.

Deploying a classic 4-3-3 formation, Wigmore Wanderers set up with Zach Henderson guarding the goal. The back four consisted of Jack Downey at right back, central defenders Finley Leah and Alex Toms, and Harvey Edkins on the left flank. In midfield, Liam Apps anchored centrally, flanked by Charlie Ivey on the right and Harley Tutt on the left. Up front, the attacking trio featured Kai Wong on the right wing, Jason Yuen leading the line as striker, and George Hennessy operating on the left wing. This setup promised width and attacking verve, with the full-backs expected to support offensively while the midfield trio balanced creativity and defensive duties. On the bench, Ben Brewster, James Lundie, and George Alp awaited their chance to influence the game.

The match burst into life almost immediately as Jack Downey unleashed a spectacular long-range screamer with his right foot in the second minute, brilliantly flicked on by Kai Wong to set the tone. Just two minutes later, Jason Yuen doubled the lead, slotting home inside the box after a neat short pass from George Hennessy. However, Strood Reserves responded swiftly, pulling a goal back in the eighth minute from close range inside the box, signalling a contest that would ebb and flow throughout.

Wigmore reasserted their dominance in the 24th minute when George Hennessy expertly finished inside the box with his right foot, assisted by a precise short pass from Jason Yuen. The Wanderers continued their attacking onslaught four minutes later as Jason Yuen again found the net, this time converting a right-footed finish inside the box following a well-delivered cross from Jack Downey. The early exchanges had been frantic, with Wigmore’s front line proving clinical.

Tactical changes began to shape the game as Ben Brewster replaced Kai Wong in the 30th minute, followed by James Lundie coming on for Charlie Ivey five minutes later. An injury forced Jack Downey off in the 42nd minute, with Kai Wong returning to the pitch to cover right back duties. Just before half-time, George Alp was introduced for Finley Leah, signalling a shift in defensive personnel. The first half concluded with Wigmore holding a commanding 4-1 lead.

The second period saw further tactical substitutions as Charlie Ivey returned to replace Jason Yuen at the hour mark, and Finley Leah came back on for Harley Tutt shortly after. Strood Reserves managed to reduce the deficit in the 63rd minute with a right-footed finish inside the box, keeping their hopes alive. Wigmore responded emphatically in the 71st minute when George Hennessy scored again from close range inside the box, assisted by a short pass from Kai Wong, restoring a three-goal cushion.

Jason Yuen was reintroduced in the 75th minute, replacing George Hennessy to freshen the attack. Strood Reserves refused to lie down, pulling another goal back in the 82nd minute with a close-range left-footed finish inside the box, setting up a nervy finale. Despite the pressure, Wigmore held firm to secure a memorable 5-3 victory.

Harvey Edkins, operating as left back, was named player of the match for his outstanding defensive work and contribution to the team’s attacking play. His performances on the flank were instrumental in both thwarting opposition advances and supporting Wigmore’s forward thrusts.

In a game full of goals and tactical shifts, Wigmore Wanderers demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess to claim all three points on the road, maintaining their momentum in the league campaign.