The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Andy Gowland took his place in goal, while Nathan Sterling and Ben Walton occupied the right and left defensive flanks respectively. The central defensive pairing of Jamie Tincknell and Jonny Thirlaway provided a robust backbone. In front of them, Ian Johnstone operated as the holding midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball effectively. The attacking midfield trio consisted of Joe Currie on the right, Lewis Sullivan on the left, and Matty Wheatley leading the line as the central striker, supported by forwards Owen Hardy and Lewis Currie.
The final match of the tournament opened with lively exchanges, as Man Club seemed to enter the game with a slight chip on their shoulder. The Turf opened as the better side, with only a single shot worrying Gowland in goal, saved and held onto at the bottom corner.
The Turf were awarded a free kick just behind the halfway line as Jamie Tincknell unleashed a stunning free-kick that sailed past the Man Club Durham goalkeeper, sending the visiting fans into raptures at the astounding goal. However, the lead was short-lived as Man Club Durham responded just three minutes later. A cross that was whipped over the crossbar from left to right failed to stay in play, yet was headered back across the box and finally headed home for Man Club. Awarded in a baffling decision by the referee that levelled the score at 1-1 and left the Turf frustrated to say the least.
As the first half progressed, both teams battled for control, but the match was halted for half-time after 15 minutes of play, with the scoreline tied at 1-1. The Turf FC made tactical adjustments shortly after the break, introducing Dan Gowland and Jak Booth in place of Ben Walton and Ian Johnstone, respectively.
The second half saw The Turf FC regain their composure, and in the 20th minute, they took the lead once more. Lewis Sullivan found the back of the net with a close-range tap-in though the goalkeepers legs, assisted by a short throw-in by Owen Hardy, who had made a clever decision to create the opportunity. The Turf FC now led 2-1, and the momentum appeared to be firmly in their favour.
However, the match took a turn for the worse for The Turf FC in the 25th minute when things began to heat up once again, as the Man Club defender began thrashing at everyone, even slapping a player. However, it would be Jamie Tincknell who would be sin-binned for dissent, showcasing their referee's inability to control the game, leaving the Turf to navigate the final stages with ten men.
The game would continue, and the same man would commit a heinous foul on Matty Wheatley in the box for a Turf penalty. The fouled Wheatley stepped up to take the pen and redeem himself from the shootout miss in the second game, but unfortunately would not find the net and left the pitch with his head in his hands.
Ross Laybourn sort to replace Wheatley in the 27th minute. The final minutes were tense as Man Club Durham pushed for an equaliser, but The Turf FC's defence held firm, and they managed to see out the match, securing a vital 2-1 victory.
This win not only boosts The Turf FC's confidence but also highlights their ability to adapt under pressure. With two wins out of three, the Turf were left to ponder if they had made it through to the final game, but alas, we're beaten out on goal difference and missed out on a chance at the final.
The Turf can hold their heads high with pride at such a resounding performance in this tournament. With stellar performances from everyone, they will look to continue this form in their next friendly.
