Wigmore Wanderers FC faced off against New Road Athletic in a gripping league encounter at The Sittingbourne School on 13 April 2025, with both teams ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw after an intense 60 minutes of play. The match was marked by a flurry of goals and tactical substitutions, keeping the small crowd of 12 spectators on the edge of their seats.
Wigmore Wanderers adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which saw Zach Henderson stationed in goal, while a trio of defenders—Alex Toms, Harley Tutt, and Joshua Igglesden—formed the backline. The midfield was anchored by Dan Bailey and Charlie Ivey, with Tom Spearink and Harry Smith providing width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Jack Downey, James Lundie, and George Hennessy were tasked with leading the attacking charge, looking to exploit any gaps in the New Road defence. The substitutes for the match included Liam Apps and George Alp, who were poised to make an impact from the bench.
The match began with New Road Athletic taking an early lead in the 10th minute, as they capitalised on a defensive lapse from Wigmore. A well-placed header from close range found the back of the net, sending a clear message that they were not to be underestimated. However, the Wanderers responded swiftly, with Charlie Ivey equalising just seven minutes later. His stunning direct free-kick from outside the box curled beautifully into the net, showcasing his technical prowess and bringing the score to 1-1.
The back-and-forth nature of the match continued as New Road Athletic regained the lead in the 24th minute. Another header, this time from close range, put them ahead once more, leaving Wigmore Wanderers trailing 2-1 as the half drew to a close. The first half concluded with the scoreline reflecting the competitive spirit of both teams.
After the break, the Wanderers came out with renewed determination. Just two minutes into the second half, Harley Tutt levelled the match at 2-2, nodding in a well-placed flick from James Lundie. This goal injected fresh energy into the Wanderers, who were now firmly back in the contest.
In the 37th minute, tactical changes were made as Liam Apps replaced Charlie Ivey, followed shortly by George Alp coming on for Joshua Igglesden in the 40th minute. These substitutions aimed to bolster the midfield and provide fresh legs as the match progressed.
The second half saw further adjustments, with Charlie Ivey returning to the pitch at the expense of James Lundie in the 46th minute, and Joshua Igglesden coming back on for Tom Spearink in the 49th minute. These changes reflected the Wanderers' intent to maintain their attacking momentum while ensuring defensive stability.
As the match approached its conclusion, both teams had opportunities to snatch a late winner, but resolute defending and missed chances meant that the score remained locked at 2-2. The referee's performance, while not without its controversies, allowed the game to flow, contributing to an engaging spectacle for the small crowd in attendance.
In the end, both Wigmore Wanderers and New Road Athletic left the pitch with a point each, a fair reflection of a match that showcased the competitive nature of league football. George Hennessy was notably influential throughout the game, earning recognition as the standout player for his contributions on the pitch.
