In a commanding display at the North Durham Academy on 1st December 2024, East Stanley Wmc FC secured a resounding 5-1 victory over Burnopfield Sun Inn First in their league encounter. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, and the home side showcased their attacking prowess throughout the contest, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.
East Stanley Wmc FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Liam Chatton took his place between the posts, shielded by a back four consisting of Drew Lake and Ryan Allen as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Lewis Cox and Kieron Taylor forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Cameron Foreman operated on the right, Connor Brown in the centre, and Dean Pearce on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Brandon Bailey and Callum Lishman occupied the right and left forward positions, while Kieran Gohery led the line as the striker, expected to convert chances into goals.
The substitutes for East Stanley Wmc FC were not disclosed, but the starting eleven was more than capable of making an impact on the game.
The match began with an early warning for East Stanley as Connor Brown received a yellow card in the 13th minute, a decision that would put him on notice for the remainder of the match. However, the home side quickly found their rhythm, and in the 23rd minute, Callum Lishman opened the scoring with a well-timed goal, showcasing his finishing ability after a swift move that caught the Burnopfield defence off guard.
As the first half progressed, East Stanley maintained control, and the teams headed into the break with the scoreline firmly in favour of the hosts at 1-0.
The second half commenced with East Stanley continuing their attacking intent, and just five minutes in, Ryan Allen doubled their lead with a goal in the 50th minute, further asserting their dominance. However, Burnopfield Sun Inn First responded shortly after, pulling one back in the 54th minute, which briefly reignited their hopes of a comeback.
Despite the setback, East Stanley remained unfazed, and Connor Brown restored their two-goal cushion in the 68th minute, finishing off a well-executed move that highlighted the team's attacking depth.
Callum Lishman then turned the match into a personal showcase, scoring his second goal of the game in the 77th minute with an assist from Connor Brown, who was having a significant impact on the match. Lishman wasn't done yet; he capped off a stellar performance by completing his hat-trick in the 86th minute, with Dean Pearce providing the assist, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory for East Stanley.
Referee Chris Shield oversaw the match, ensuring that the game flowed smoothly despite the early card shown to Brown. The performance of East Stanley Wmc FC was a testament to their attacking capabilities, with Lishman emerging as a standout player, while the team as a whole demonstrated a cohesive unit that will surely instil confidence as they progress through the league.
