The Turf FC faced off against Consett Blackfyne in a league match at the Delves Lane Community Association Pitch. The Turf FC lined up in a 4-2-2-1-1 formation due to the lack of options they had going for them, a formation designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for a sense of creativity in attack. Nick Dow took his place in goal, with a back four comprising of Andy Gowland on the right, Damo Freeman and Lewis Sullivan as central defenders, and Jonny Thirlaway on the left. In front of them, the double pivot of Ian Johnstone and Joe Currie was expected to control the midfield, while Liam Henry and Lewis Currie operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Brad Jones played as the central attacking midfielder, supporting lone striker Ben Walton, who was forced to play out of position.
The opening stages of the match were competitive, as both teams got a feeling for it, but it was Blackfyne who struck first, taking the lead in the 20th minute with a goal that caught The Turf's defence off guard. The game continued and the Turf only seemed to grow in confidence, fighting back against an opposition who are challenging for the title in the league, with a number of opportunities arising from some fantastic play and communication across the board. However things took a down-turn when Ian Johnstone received a yellow card in the 35th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, further compounding the pressure on The Turf as the challenges begun to get silly.
Regardless, the match pressed on and the Turf fought hard to get their way back into the game, but as the first half drew to a close, Blackfyne capitalised as a lucky shot deflected past Dow in net as Blackfyne doubled their lead in the 40th minute. Just before the half-time whistle, they added a third goal, exploiting another lapse in concentration from The Turf's defence, as Gowland and Freeman were left defending three attackers at the back stick, as a cross was whipped in to be hammered home for the visitors to lead 3-0 as they headed into the break.
Following the interval, The Turf made an immediate change, bringing on Jack Dawson for the seemingly injured captain Liam Henry. The second half commenced, and with their heads held high, the Turf turned the fight up to eleven, battling hard against a staggering opposition, who never seemed like a threat for the rest of the game. Each player on the pitch battled for possession and communicated throughout, despite being three goals down, they pushed the opposition back, creating chances, and unlucky not to score any as we chased the ball down and stuck it out to the very end.
With a set of fresh legs operating in the centre of midfield, the Turf looked like they were about to score with Lewis Currie receiving the ball through on goal, but whose shot was unfortunately saved by the keeper, keeping the game at 3-0.
As the match progressed, The Turf FC continued to search for a way back into the game, but their efforts were thwarted. In the 80th minute, Danny Berry was introduced in attack to help chase down possession from the front, as The Turf sought to find a spark in their offence.
Despite their best efforts, The Turf FC could not find the back of the net, and the match ended in a 3-0 defeat. However, the scoreline does not truly reflect the game, as this was possibly the best that the Turf have ever played. Every player on that side gave his heart and soul for a better result, and if it weren't for three unlucky goals, they would have been rewarded for their efforts.
Lewis Sullivan was recognised for his performance, standing out as the Man of the Match amidst a challenging outing for his side.
