The Fountain FC 2 vs 2 Leadgate Workmen's Club Le

The Fountain FC hosted Leadgate Workmen's Club Leadgate Workmen at Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on 29 March 2026, with kick-off at 10:30am in a fiercely contested cup tie.

Fountain FC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Damo Freeman took his place in goal, protected by a back four comprising Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, Dan Cave and Jamie Tincknell as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling on the left. In midfield, Ian Johnstone and Lewis Sullivan operated as the double pivot, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball. Ahead of them, Lewis Currie played as the attacking midfielder, linking midfield and attack. The front three featured Rowan Latimer on the right, Favour Ekomemen leading the line as striker, and Owen Hardy on the left, expected to provide width and goal threat. On the bench, Dylan S and Andy Gowland were named as substitutes.

The match burst into life early on with Fountain FC taking the lead in the 20th minute. Lewis Sullivan delivered a precise short pass from midfield, allowing Favour Ekomemen to unleash a spectacular screamer from outside the box that flew into the net, giving the home side an early advantage. The goal was a statement of intent, showcasing Ekomemen’s shooting prowess and Sullivan’s vision.

Leadgate Workmen’s response was measured but physical, and tensions rose when an opponent was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute for dissent by word or action, reflecting the intensity of the contest. The first half concluded with Fountain FC holding a slender 1-0 lead, the teams heading into the break knowing the game was finely poised.

At half-time, Fountain FC made a double tactical substitution to refresh their attacking options and defensive resilience. Dylan S replaced Owen Hardy on the left forward position, while Andy Gowland came on for right back Brandon Fitzgerald. These changes aimed to inject energy and stability as the second half commenced.

The equaliser arrived on the hour mark, courtesy of a defensive error from Fountain FC. Leadgate Workmen capitalised on a close-range opportunity, drawing level and shifting the momentum. The home side were forced to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind.

Fountain FC restored their lead in the 76th minute with another stunning strike from Ekomemen, this time assisted by Lewis Currie. The goal came from outside the area, where Currie’s short pass set up Ekomemen to curl a precise effort beyond the goalkeeper, reaffirming his status as the focal point of Fountain’s attack.

However, the visitors were not to be denied. Just four minutes later, Leadgate Workmen scored a remarkable goal directly from a corner kick, a long-range effort that caught the defence and goalkeeper off guard, levelling the match at 2-2. This dramatic equaliser set up a tense finale.

Despite chances in the closing stages, neither side could find a winner during normal time, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the tie. The shootout proved a cruel decider for Fountain FC, who were edged out 2-1 by Leadgate Workmen.

Throughout the match, goalkeeper Damo Freeman was a standout performer, making crucial saves and commanding his area with authority, earning him the player of the match accolade. Referee Martin Bunting officiated with control and fairness, managing the competitive nature of the game effectively.

In summary, Fountain FC delivered an entertaining and hard-fought performance but ultimately fell short in the lottery of penalties, ending their cup run in a match that will be remembered for its thrilling goals and fine margins.