On 5 October 2025, The Turf hosted division 1 leaders, Tanfield Lea WMC at the Delves Lane Community Association Pitch in a windy cup tie that kicked off at 10:30am. Referee Ged Boyle oversaw the 90 minutes with a performance that was adequate but unremarkable.
The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Andy Gowland took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Brandon Fitzgerald at right defender, Jamie Tincknell and Dan Cave as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling at left defender. Ian Johnstone operated as the lone holding central midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, Joe Currie occupied the right attacking midfield role, while captain Lewis Sullivan took up the left attacking midfield position, both expected to support the front three. The attacking trio featured Owen Hardy on the right forward flank, Favour Ekomemon leading as the striker, and Eithan Thomasson on the left forward. On the bench were Scott Thompson, Damo Freeman, and Lewis Currie, ready to be called upon if needed.
The match began with an early setback for The Turf FC when, just 15 minutes in, Eithan Thomasson was forced off due to injury, making way for Scott Thompson. However, The Turf FC did find the net soon after the substitution, with Favour Ekomemon capitalising on a defensive mistake with a well-placed finish to put his side ahead.
However, it wasn't long before Tanfield responded, turning the game on its head. At the 25th minute mark, they equalised with a close-range tap-in, scoring from a pass across the face of goal, signalling the start of a dominant spell. Ten minutes later, they extended their lead when a cross from the lefthand side was caught by the wind, sailing past Gowland in goal for what would usually be a comfortable catch, only to find the back of the net instead.
The Turf would look to respond however, as they applied heavy pressure into the visitor's box. Favour would be fed the ball into his feet, striking the ball towards goal, crashing against the inside of the post, trickling across the face of goal before being scooped back out into play in a moment that could have proven crucial for the rest of the game.
The pressure continued to mount as they added a third goal before half-time, a freekick on the edge of the box was curled towards goal, parried by Gowland onto the crossbar, before being charged by 3 unmarked Tanfield attackers, and finished off from close range, leaving The Turf FC trailing.
The first half ended with Tanfield Lea WMC firmly in control at 3-1. The second half saw no respite for the home side. Just five minutes after the restart, the visitors scored a close-range solo effort to make it 4-1. They continued to press, adding a fifth goal in the 60th minute via a close-range header, further denting The Turf FC’s hopes.
The Turf FC were dealt another blow in the 65th minute when central defender Jamie Tincknell had to be replaced by Damo Freeman due to injury. Shortly after, a tactical substitution saw Lewis Currie come on for Owen Hardy on the right forward position at the 70th minute.
Tanfield would continue to search for more goals, and would be presented with the chance when a Tanfield striker was left 1v1 with Gowland in goal, who rushes off his line to attack. The Tanfield man shoots, lifting the ball over Gowland before leaping over the keepers outstretched leg, flailing for a freekick, despite their being no contact, but the ref awarded the free kick anyway on the edge of the turf box. With the Turf prepped for the freekick, Tanfield take the shot, aiming for Gowland's near post, only to be met with a strong hand at full stretch to make up for the freekick. Unfortunately for The Turf, Tanfield capitalised immediately, scoring their sixth goal from the following corner with another close-range header.
The home side’s resilience was tested again when Scott Thompson, who had come on earlier, was forced off injured in the 80th minute, allowing Owen Hardy to return to the pitch. Despite the heavy scoreline, The Turf managed to pull a goal back in the 85th minute. Damo Freeman rose highest to head home a close-range header, delivered by Joe Currie's freekick into the back stick, offering a glimmer of pride in an otherwise difficult afternoon.
The match concluded with Tanfield Lea WMC securing a comprehensive 6-2 victory, ending The Turf’s cup run in disappointing fashion. Favour Ekomemon’s early goal and overall contribution earned him the man of the match accolade, a rare positive in a game dominated by the visitors. The Turf will need to regroup quickly after this heavy defeat as they look ahead to their next fixtures.
