In a gripping friendly encounter at Richmond Park on 3rd August 2025, The Turf FC faced off against Bede Lodge FC. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am, showcased a thrilling display of attacking football from both sides.
The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation. Andy Gowland took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Nathan Sterling on the right, Jamie Tincknell and Dan Cave in central defence, and Brandon Fitzgerald on the left. Ian Johnstone operated as the lone central midfielder, while in front of him, Lewis and Joe Currie operated between the boxes, while Owen and Ryan Hardy flanked the attack on the wings, with Robert Grzebyk leading the line up top.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage, but it was Bede Lodge who struck first. In the 20th minute, the Turf were pushed back after some great play from both sides across the pitch, testing each other out. With Bede on the attack, a ball was lofted over the top of the defence into the feet of an offside man, who has slotted the ball into the bottom corner, a close decision that was unfortunate that the ref didn't give the Turf's way.
Moments later, Bede were on the ball again, probing for their second. A heavy challenge by Lewis Currie landed the in-form man a yellow card, resulting in a freekick just within the Turf's half. As the referee blows the whistle, the ball is swung to the back stick, headered back across the box to the feet on an unmanned attacker, and tapped into the goal, leaving Gowland helpless to defend, leaving The Turf FC trailing 2-0.
However, The Turf responded with determination. In the 35th minute, Captain Jamie Tincknell found the net with a volley from close range, assisted by Ian Johnstone's corner as the unmarked Tincknell fired home the Turf's first with a colourful celebration to match, bringing the score to 2-1 and reigniting hope for the home side. The first half concluded with Bede Lodge leading 2-1, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
As the second half commenced, The Turf FC made two tactical substitutions, bringing on Dan Gowland for Robert Grzebyk in his debut game up top, while Nick Dow replaced the other Gowland brother in goal. The changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the team. The strategy paid off quickly, as Lewis Currie scored in the 55th minute, converting a long pass from Dan Gowland to level the match at 2-2.
However, as the referee blew to restart the game, The Turf were taken by surprise when Bede Lodge fired a shot in from kick off, catching Dow off his line as the ball sailed past the subbed keeper, leaving him with little chance of keeping it out as Bede swiftly regained their lead, leaving the score at 3-2. The Turf FC, undeterred, continued to press forward, creating plenty of chances to even out the score, a great strike by Nathan Ryan at left back, thundering the shot, just wide of the top bins.
In the 65th minute, the Turf would finally equalize for a second time, when Dan Gowland received the ball from a Bede header away, takes the ball under control and hits the shot across the box and into the bottom corner. However, Joe Currie ran onto the ball and, in and unclear turn of events, turned in the shot. With Gowland claiming the ball was already over the line when Joe has touched it, and video footage being of no help, Daniel Gowland takes the goal, bringing the score to 3-3.
With the match finely poised, The Turf FC made further substitutions in the 70th minute, introducing old Turf player Matthew Howe for his return to the club, replacing Ian Johnstone, while James White replaced Owen Hardy in his return too. With the scoreline looking up and fight in the Turf, the game continued, but it would not end well for the Turf. With Brandon Fitzgerald on the ball at right-back, the young defender was fouled off the ball, before the player lets loose a blinding strike from the halfway line, once again leaving Dow in goal with little chance, taking the lead to 4-3.
In the closing stages, The Turf made their final substitution, bringing Andy Gowland back on for Brandon Fitzgerald in the 85th minute, but despite their best efforts, they could not find an equaliser. The match concluded with Bede Lodge FC emerging victorious, leaving The Turf FC to reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately fell just short. Man of the match was awarded to Dan Cave in centre back, who displayed a valiant effort across the pitch today.
