Wigmore Wanderers Edge Close Defeat In Seven-Goal Thriller

Wigmore Wanderers FC hosted The Walnut Tree United at Hempstead Recreation Ground #1 on 2nd November 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a league encounter that ended 4-3 in favour of the visitors after a pulsating 90 minutes plus added time. Despite a spirited display and a hat-trick from Jason Yuen, Wigmore Wanderers fell just short in front of a modest crowd of 15.

Wigmore Wanderers set up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Zach Henderson guarded the goal, supported by a back four comprising Ben Brewster at right back, George Alp and Finley Leah as central defenders, and Harry Smith 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 duties and supplying the front three. Up front, the line was spearheaded by Jake Woolman as the central striker, flanked by Jason Yuen on the right wing and Kai Wong on the left. The substitutes bench included George Hennessy, Harvey Edkins, James Lundie, and Chris Lichfield.

The match burst into life early on when Jason Yuen converted a penalty in the 14th minute with his right foot, giving the Wanderers a deserved lead. However, the joy was tempered shortly after as Jake Woolman was forced off injured in the 21st minute, replaced by George Hennessy, who would soon make a significant impact.

Wigmore’s attacking intent was clear as Hennessy, just eight minutes after coming on, delivered a precise header assist that allowed Yuen to unleash a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box in the 29th minute, doubling the home side’s advantage. The Wanderers looked to be in control, but tactical changes were underway as Harry Smith was substituted for Harvey Edkins in the 36th minute, signalling a shift in defensive approach.

The first half concluded with Wigmore leading 2-0, but the second half saw The Walnut Tree United respond with relentless pressure. Almost immediately after the restart, the visitors pulled one back in the 46th minute through a goalmouth scramble from close range, unsettling the home defence. Just three minutes later, The Walnut Tree United struck again with a fluke goal, a close-range effort finished with the right foot that levelled the scores.

Wigmore made a further tactical substitution at the hour mark, bringing on James Lundie for George Hennessy to shore up midfield. The game’s intensity rose, and in the 65th minute, Ben Brewster received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a moment that coincided with The Walnut Tree United being awarded and converting a penalty to take the lead for the first time in the match.

The Wanderers responded by reintroducing Jake Woolman in place of Liam Apps in the 71st minute, seeking to regain their attacking edge. However, discipline issues arose as James Lundie was booked for dissent ten minutes later. Wigmore’s tactical reshuffles continued with Harry Smith returning to the field for Harvey Edkins in the 83rd minute, followed by Liam Apps replacing Leon Vidler two minutes later, signalling an attempt to regain midfield control.

The Walnut Tree United extended their advantage in the 86th minute with a close-range tap-in finished with the left foot, putting the home side under immense pressure. Wigmore’s final substitution saw Chris Lichfield come on for the booked Ben Brewster in the 88th minute, as they pushed for a late response.

That response came swiftly as Jason Yuen completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble from a corner delivered by Liam Apps. Yuen’s composed finish with his right foot from close range rekindled hope for the Wanderers, but despite their efforts, the visitors held on for a 4-3 victory.

Jason Yuen’s treble was the standout individual performance of the day, earning him the player of the match accolade. Wigmore Wanderers showed attacking verve and resilience but were ultimately undone by a second-half onslaught from The Walnut Tree United in a thrilling contest at Hempstead Recreation Ground.