In a thrilling cup encounter at North Durham Academy on 6th April 2025, East Stanley Wmc FC edged past Consett Steel Club First with a narrow 1-0 victory. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the home side's resilience paid off as they secured a place in the next round of the competition.
East Stanley Wmc FC set up in a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical choice that allowed them to dominate the midfield while providing width through their forwards. Joe Longstaff donned the gloves as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four consisting of Kyle Fazakerley on the right, Sam Hodgson and Lewis Cox in central defence, and Ryan Allen on the left. The midfield trio featured Will Shaw on the right, Cameron Foreman centrally, and Kieran Taylor on the left, while the attacking front three comprised Kieran Gohery on the right, Adrian Bailey as the central striker, and Callum Lishman on the left. This formation aimed to exploit the flanks and create goal-scoring opportunities through quick transitions.
The substitutes for East Stanley included Michael Storey, Matty Allison, and Brandon Bailey, who would be called upon later in the match to provide fresh legs and tactical adjustments as needed.
As the match unfolded, both teams battled fiercely for control, but it was East Stanley who found their rhythm first. The first half saw a few chances for both sides, but neither could break the deadlock before the interval. However, the game took a turn just before half-time when Kyle Fazakerley received a yellow card, a moment that would see him substituted shortly after the break.
The second half began with East Stanley making a tactical change in the 59th minute, bringing on Michael Storey for Fazakerley. This substitution aimed to shore up the defence while maintaining their attacking intent. As the match progressed, tensions rose, and in the 77th minute, Cameron Foreman was cautioned with a yellow card, reflecting the increasing physicality of the contest.
In the 69th minute, Matty Allison replaced Kieran Taylor, adding fresh energy to the midfield. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough. In the 80th minute, Brandon Bailey was introduced for Callum Lishman, further bolstering East Stanley's attacking options as they sought to secure a vital goal.
As the match entered its final moments, East Stanley's persistence finally bore fruit. In the second minute of added time, Adrian Bailey found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the match with a well-placed shot following an assist from Ryan Allen. The stadium erupted as the home fans celebrated this crucial strike, which sealed their victory.
The match concluded with Will Shaw receiving a yellow card in the dying moments, a testament to the fierce competition throughout the encounter. Referee Martin Bunting brought the match to a close, and East Stanley Wmc FC emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought win against Consett Steel Club First. Cameron Foreman was recognised as the standout performer of the match, showcasing his skill and determination in midfield.
