The Fountain FC 4 vs 0 Sunderland ATW First

The Fountain FC welcomed Sunderland ATW First to the Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on 27 September 2026 for a 10:30am kick-off in a crucial cup tie.

The Fountain FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Andy Gowland in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Tony Storey at right back, Dan Cave and captain Lewis Sullivan as central defenders, and usual centre mid Joe Currie on the left. In midfield, Gary Booth and Ian Johnstone operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both defensive cover and linking play. Ahead of them, Rowan Latimer took up the right attacking midfield role, Lewis Currie played centrally behind the striker, hoping to find the net on his 23rd birthday, and Scott Thompson occupied the left attacking midfield position ahead of the injured Dylan Saleh. Leading the line was striker Similoluwa Afilaka, expected to spearhead attacks and convert chances. The substitutes named were Nathan Sterling, David Sowunmi, Damo Freeman, Jonny Thirlaway, and Kieron Kennedy.

From the outset, The Fountain FC showed intent. Rowan Latimer was presented with an early attempt in the second minute that was fizzed across the face of goal, who was unlucky not to convert the open goal. The visitors then threatened on the attack, with three Sunderland attackers swarming the Fountain box, Gowland anticipated a through ball to two open strikers to the left but the attacker took the shot instead, wrong footing the goalkeeper, but Andy Gowland was alert to make a full stretch save in the 15th minute, keeping the scoreline level.

Just three minutes later, the deadlock was broken as Similoluwa Afilaka capitalised on a defensive mistake by Sunderland ATWs goalkeeper, slotting home with his right foot to give the hosts the lead. The Fountain FC’s attacking momentum continued unabated, and in the 22nd minute, Afilaka turned provider, delivering a precise cross for Scott Thompson to tap in from close range.

Andy Gowland remained composed at the back, catching a rouge header directed to the top bin by Lewis Sullivan in the 26th minute to deny Sunderland any foothold, playing the ball out quickly as the Fountain went on the counter attack, adding to their advantage in the 27th minute when Thompson scored his second, this time from a short pass by Afilaka inside the box, demonstrating clinical finishing.

Dan Cave ventured forward for a corner in the 30th minute but saw his header drift wide. However, his defensive qualities were soon on display as he prevented a clear chance with a crucial headed clearance in the 33rd minute, ensuring the clean sheet remained intact, subsequently getting a bloodied nose in the minutes that followed.

The home side’s dominance was further emphasised in the 38th minute when Afilaka scored his second goal of the match, expertly finishing with his right foot inside the box after a neat short pass from Lewis Currie. This goal effectively sealed the first half, which ended with The Fountain FC comfortably 4-0 ahead.

The second half saw Sunderland ATW attempt to claw their way back into the game, but Andy Gowland was equal to the task, parrying a shot in the 55th minute to maintain the clean sheet as Dan Cave cleared the rebound. Lewis Currie tested the goalkeeper with a saved effort in the 60th minute, and Afilaka came agonisingly close to adding to his tally when he struck the post three minutes later.

Ian Johnstone also had a shot saved in the 67th minute from a cleared corner, keeping the visitors under constant pressure. Tactical substitutions followed in the 74th minute as Nathan Sterling replaced Joe Currie, David Sowunmi came on for the prolific Afilaka, and Kieron Kennedy took over from Rowan Latimer, signalling a shift to fresh legs and maintaining the team’s intensity.

Despite the changes, The Fountain FC continued to create chances. Lewis Currie had two further attempts on goal, one saved in the 80th minute and another that went wide five minutes later, unable to secure a goal on his birthday. Kennedy also saw a wide effort in the 88th minute as the match wound down.

To noones surprise, Dan Cave attained the man of the match award for simply existing, haha. His defensive resilience and timely interventions earned him the man of the match accolade, underpinning The Fountain FC’s solid defensive foundation that complemented their attacking prowess. However, credit goes to everyone who turned up today, as no one put a foot wrong and all worked hard for one another. Our midfield in Ian Johnstone and Gary Booth were strong both going forward and coming back when required, and special mention to Scott Thompson and Tony Storey, who never stopped all game.

In summary, The Fountain FC delivered a dominant and clinical performance to dispatch Sunderland ATW First 4-0 at home, progressing confidently in the cup competition.