Wigmore Wanderers FC travelled to Shorne Higham FC’s The Ridgeway on 28 September 2025 for a 10:30am kick-off in a league away fixture against Eagles Gold. The Wanderers emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline after a pulsating 90 minutes plus injury time, securing all three points in a closely contested encounter.
Wigmore Wanderers lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, deploying a solid back four with Ben Brewster at right back, George Alp and Finley Leah as the central defensive pairing, and George Tutt covering the left flank. In midfield, Harley Tutt and Alex Toms operated as the double pivot, tasked with shielding the defence and linking play. Ahead of them, Charlie Ivey took up the attacking midfield role, expected to create chances and support the front three. The forward line consisted of Jack Downey on the right, James Lundie leading the line as striker, and Harry Smith on the left, all charged with providing width, pace, and goal threat.
On the bench, Jake Woolman and Ronnie Porter were named as substitutes, ready to impact the game as tactical changes became necessary.
The match began with both sides probing cautiously, but it was Wigmore Wanderers who made the first significant tactical move. At the 35th minute mark, the Wanderers made a double substitution, bringing on Jake Woolman for striker James Lundie and Ronnie Porter for left forward Harry Smith. This tactical switch aimed to refresh the attacking options and alter the dynamic up front before the break.
The first half concluded with the teams level, but the second half burst into life almost immediately. Just three minutes after the restart, Jake Woolman flicked the ball expertly to Jack Downey, who unleashed a stunning lob from long range with his right foot, sending the ball arcing over the goalkeeper and into the net. This exquisite goal put Wigmore Wanderers ahead and electrified the away supporters.
However, the joy was tempered by Downey’s immediate yellow card for unsporting behaviour, a reminder of the intensity and passion coursing through the match. Eagles Gold responded swiftly, equalising in the 51st minute with a well-struck effort from outside the box, also with the right foot, which left goalkeeper Zach Henderson with no chance.
Wigmore Wanderers then made further tactical adjustments. At 64 minutes, Harry Smith was reintroduced, replacing Ronnie Porter, restoring some familiarity to the left forward position. Ten minutes later, James Lundie returned to the pitch, coming on for attacking midfielder Charlie Ivey, signalling a shift in attacking strategy as the Wanderers sought to regain control and push for a winner.
The match grew increasingly physical and heated as it progressed. Harry Smith received a yellow card in the 84th minute for offensive language or gestures, reflecting the mounting frustration on the pitch. The tension boiled over in the 88th minute when an Eagles Gold player was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, reducing the home side to ten men and giving Wigmore Wanderers a crucial numerical advantage.
Capitalising on this, Wigmore Wanderers were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. James Lundie stepped up and confidently converted with his left foot, restoring the lead and putting the Wanderers firmly on course for victory.
In the dying moments, Ben Brewster was cautioned with a yellow card for a bad tackle, underscoring the physical nature of the contest right up to the final whistle.
Throughout the match, goalkeeper Zach Henderson marshalled the defence effectively, while the defensive unit held firm despite the pressure. Central midfielder Harley Tutt was outstanding, his tireless work rate and composure earning him the player of the match accolade. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks was pivotal in Wigmore Wanderers’ success.
In a game marked by tactical shifts, moments of individual brilliance, and a fiercely competitive atmosphere, Wigmore Wanderers FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Eagles Gold, a result that will boost their league campaign significantly.
