In a pulsating encounter at North Durham Academy on 2nd February 2025, East Stanley Wmc FC emerged victorious against Lanchester Cricket Club FC First, clinching an impressive 8-5 win in a league home match. The match, which kicked off at 10:30 am, showcased a remarkable display of attacking football from both sides, with East Stanley demonstrating their prowess in front of goal.
East Stanley lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, a tactical setup designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking width. Liam Chatton occupied the goalkeeping position, while Kieron Taylor, Sam Hodgson, and Lewis Cox formed a three-man defensive unit. The midfield was packed with creativity and energy, featuring Kyle Fazakerley and Callum Jackson on the flanks, with Kieran Taylor, Cameron Foreman, and Drew Lake operating centrally. Up front, Callum Lishman and Brandon Bailey were tasked with leading the line, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents.
The substitutes for East Stanley included Andy Taylor, who would later be introduced to the fray.
The match began with both teams eager to assert their dominance, but it was East Stanley who struck first. In the 24th minute, Brandon Bailey found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-timed assist from Callum Lishman. However, the lead was short-lived as Lanchester responded swiftly, scoring twice within a minute, first in the 25th and then again in the 26th minute, turning the tide in their favour.
Undeterred, East Stanley quickly regrouped, and just two minutes later, Drew Lake restored parity with a goal in the 28th minute. The home side then took control of the match, with Kyle Fazakerley adding another in the 34th minute, putting East Stanley ahead once more. Lanchester managed to pull one back just before half-time in the 41st minute, leaving the score at 4-3 as the teams headed into the break.
The second half commenced with East Stanley looking to extend their lead, and they did just that in the 51st minute when Callum Lishman scored, assisted by Drew Lake. However, Lanchester was not finished yet, responding with a goal in the 56th minute, narrowing the gap to 5-4.
As the match progressed, the intensity heightened, and in the 67th minute, Lanchester equalised again, making it 5-5. Just a minute later, Brandon Bailey struck again, this time with an assist from Cameron Foreman, putting East Stanley back in front at 6-5.
In the 75th minute, East Stanley made their first substitution, bringing on Andy Taylor for Kieran Taylor. The fresh legs proved beneficial as Brandon Bailey netted his hat-trick in the 79th minute, with Drew Lake providing the assist.
Callum Lishman then added to the tally in the 80th minute, further extending East Stanley's lead to 8-5. The match took a dramatic turn in injury time when Drew Lake received a red card in the 94th minute, but the damage had already been done, and East Stanley secured a memorable victory.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the attacking flair of East Stanley Wmc FC but also highlighted their resilience in the face of adversity, marking a significant win in their league campaign.
