In a friendly encounter held at the Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on 4 May 2025, The Turf FC faced off against Ushaw Moor Flass Inn FC. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with a modest crowd of 15 spectators witnessing the action unfold.
The Turf FC lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, a newly tested formation designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. Nick Dow took his position in goal, shielded by a back three comprising Jamie Tincknell in the centre, flanked by Ross Laybourn on the right and Damo Freeman on the left. The midfield quartet featured Andy Gowland and Owen Hardy on the right and left flanks respectively, with Ian Johnstone and captain Lewis Sullivan occupying central roles. Joe Currie played just behind the two forwards, Lewis Currie and James White, who were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for The Turf included Seb Belka, Daniel Laddie, Dan Gowland, Brad Jones, and Jack Dawson, providing options for tactical adjustments as the match progressed.
The opening exchanges saw Ushaw Moor Flass Inn FC assert their dominance early on as the Turf never really got started. Although a promising prospect, the new formation seemed unnatural for some, specificly Gowland in the right wing-back position, finding himself outnumbered and overrunning on too many occasions. The Flass Inn pressed their opponents, looking for a way through and finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a corner, swung in to the near post, only to be headed home, leaving Dow with no chance.
Consett made attempts to reply early with a shot on the edge of the box by Gowland, seeping just wide of the post in an unlucky chance. The visitors would go on the hunt for a second, swinging in another corner which was dealt with, but not before Damo took a nasty blow to the back of the head. Thankfully, the Turf centre back was able to shake it off and play on.
Just ten minutes later, the visitors would go on to double their lead, executing a well-coordinated team move that culminated in a clinical finish, leaving The Turf trailing 2-0.
Noticing the new formation was not working, Anthony Lockeron opted to change to a more comfortable 4-4-2 formation, which proved a wise choice as the Turf responded positively and found a glimmer of hope in the 35th minute. Damo Freeman, rising to the occasion, scored with a diving header at the back post from close range, expertly assisted by Joe Currie's clever flick from a corner. This goal injected some life into The Turf as they pushed for the equaliser. With the pressure on, Jamie Tincknell made a darting run up the pitch as the ball was swung in and headed home for a well-placed goal, only to be ruled offside in a poor decision by the referee; The first of many yet to come as they headed into half-time with a scoreline of 2-1.
The second half began with tactical changes for The Turf, as Seb Belka replaced Owen Hardy. The visitors continued to apply pressure, and in the 50th minute, Daniel Laddie came on for Ross Laybourn, further reshaping the team's dynamics. Damo Freeman's earlier goal had sparked a renewed sense of urgency, but Ushaw Moor Flass Inn FC remained resolute.
As the match progressed, The Turf made further substitutions, with Dan Gowland entering the fray for Damo Freeman in the 55th minute, followed by Brad Jones replacing Lewis Currie and Jack Dawson coming on for Joe Currie in the 60th minute. Despite these changes, Ushaw Moor Flass struck again in the 65th minute, played from a man in an offside position, which was crossed in, falling to the feet of the attacker, who played the ball back, only to be fired in down the pipe to make it 3-1 in another baffling decision that left The Turf's defence scrambling.
The Turf fought valiantly to find a way back into the match, but the visitors' solid performance ensured that the scoreline remained unchanged. The visitors search for a fourth with a well-placed free kick, fired towards goal, lnly to be met with a blinding save by Dow in goal. The Turf went on the attack for one last push, hurtling the ball upfield towards Sullivan, ready to have a chance at goal, when suddenly play was interrupted by the Flass defender blatantly handle the ball in mid-air, and prevent the chance. As the player look to the ref, he somehow opted to blow the whistle for full-time instead of gifting an obvious goalscoring opportunity in the last of many baffling decisions.
The match concluded with Ushaw Moor Flass Inn emerging victorious with a final score of 3-1, leaving The Turf with much to ponder as they look to improve in future fixtures. Jamie Tincknell was notably recognised for his efforts, earning the accolade of Man of the Match amidst a challenging outing for his side.
