The Turf FC hosted Consett Top Club First at Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on 21 September 2025, with a 10:30am kick-off in a fiercely contested cup tie. Referee Ged Boyle oversaw the game, which was witnessed by a modest crowd of 25 spectators.
The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive unit and an attacking trio expected to stretch the opposition. Andy Gowland took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with Brandon Fitzgerald operating as right defender, Jamie Tincknell and captain Lewis Sullivan forming the central defensive partnership, and Nathan Sterling covering the left defensive flank. Ian Johnstone anchored the midfield in a central role, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball. Ahead of him, Lewis Currie and Joe Currie occupied the right and left attacking midfield positions respectively, charged with creating chances and supporting the forwards. The front three consisted of Owen Hardy on the right forward, newcomer Favour Ekomemen making his debut in place of Ryan Hardy as the central striker, and Eithan Thomasson on the left forward. The substitutes named were Damo Freeman and Ben Walton.
The match burst into life with Joe Currie opening the scoring in the 20th minute. Lewis Sullivan delivered a precise cross from defence, which Joe met with a diving header from close range to give The Turf FC an early lead. Ten minutes later, Sullivan himself doubled the advantage with a spectacular volley from a corner taken by Ian Johnstone, sending the ball crashing into the roof of the net and putting The Turf FC firmly in control before the break.
The first half concluded with The Turf FC leading 2-0, a scoreline that reflected their dominance in both defence and attack. The visitors, Consett Top Club First, struggled to find rhythm but remained a threat on the counter.
The second half saw the intensity ramp up as Consett Top Club First sought to claw their way back into the contest. At 55 minutes, an opponent was shown a yellow card for a bad tackle, in a controversial decision that should've seen the man sent off, but was given a yellow, and a free kick on the edge of the box. Jamie Tincknell fired in a stunning low free-kick at the keepers near post, with no chance for a save.
However, Consett Top Club First responded swiftly, pulling a goal back in the 60th minute with a close-range finish inside the box. The momentum shifted further when, at 65 minutes, The Turf FC were forced into their first substitution due to injury, with Damo Freeman replacing the injured Lewis Sullivan. The visitors capitalised immediately, equalising just moments after the change with another goal from inside the box.
The game remained finely poised until the 70th minute when Damo Freeman marked his introduction with a crucial diving header from a free-kick delivered by Joe Currie, restoring The Turf FC’s lead. This goal proved vital in what was becoming a thrilling encounter.
Shortly after, The Turf FC made their second substitution at 75 minutes, with Ben Walton coming on for Nathan Sterling, who had also succumbed to injury. The final quarter of the match saw Top Club find the net again, with a simple tap in from being left one on one against Gowland in goal to make it 4-3. The Turf FC held firm to their slender advantage despite Consett Top Club First’s relentless pressure.
Brandon Fitzgerald’s defensive solidity and tireless work down the right flank earned him the man of the match accolade, as he was instrumental in both thwarting attacks and supporting forward play. In a pulsating cup tie at Delves Lane, The Turf FC emerged victorious 4-3, showcasing resilience and attacking verve to overcome a determined Consett Top Club First side.
