In a tightly contested league match at North Durham Academy on 6th April 2025, East Stanley Wmc FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Consett Steel Club First. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am, saw both teams battle fiercely, but it was East Stanley who emerged triumphant thanks to a late goal from Adrian Bailey.
East Stanley lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Joe Longstaff took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Kyle Fazakerley on the right, Sam Hodgson and Lewis Cox in central defence, and Ryan Allen on the left. The midfield trio featured Will Shaw on the right, Cameron Foreman centrally, and Kieran Taylor on the left, while the attacking front three comprised Kieran Gohery on the right, Adrian Bailey as the central striker, and Callum Lishman on the left. This setup aimed to utilise width and pace, with the wingers expected to stretch the opposition and create space for Bailey to exploit.
The substitutes for East Stanley included Michael Storey, Matty Allison, and Brandon Bailey, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams probing for openings but failing to convert their chances. The defensive units were well-organised, and the midfield battles were fiercely contested. As the half drew to a close, Kyle Fazakerley received a yellow card for a late challenge, a decision that highlighted the physical nature of the encounter. The referee, Martin Bunting, signalled the end of the first half shortly after, with the score still locked at 0-0.
As the second half commenced, East Stanley made their first substitution in the 59th minute, bringing on Michael Storey for the cautioned Fazakerley. This change aimed to bolster the defence while maintaining the team's attacking intent. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both sides creating half-chances but lacking the clinical edge required to break the deadlock.
In the 69th minute, East Stanley made another substitution, replacing Kieran Taylor with Matty Allison, seeking fresh legs in midfield to control the game. However, the match took a more intense turn as Cameron Foreman received a yellow card in the 77th minute, further emphasising the competitive spirit on display.
With time running out, East Stanley made their final substitution in the 80th minute, introducing Brandon Bailey for Callum Lishman. This tactical switch aimed to inject pace and creativity into the attack as they sought a late winner.
As the match entered injury time, the breakthrough finally came. In the 92nd minute, Adrian Bailey found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the match with an assist from Ryan Allen. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, as Bailey's strike ensured East Stanley would take all three points.
Despite a late yellow card shown to Will Shaw in the dying moments of the match, East Stanley held firm to secure a vital victory. The match concluded with East Stanley Wmc FC celebrating a hard-fought win, while Consett Steel Club First were left to ponder missed opportunities. Cameron Foreman was recognised for his outstanding performance, earning the accolade of Player of the Match.
