In a gripping, cold and windy cup encounter at Consett AFC on 30 March 2025, The Turf FC faced off against Consett Top Club FC.
The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Nick Dow took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Andy Gowland on the right, captain Lewis Sullivan and Jonny Thirlaway as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling on the left. Ross Laybourn operated as a central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Owen Hardy and Lewis Currie occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Joe Currie played centrally, supporting the forward duo of Ian Johnstone and Ian Carrick.
The match began with an electric start, as The Turf took the lead just five minutes in. Ian Johnstone found the back of the net, converting a well-placed assist from Owen Hardy inside the box with his right foot. The early goal injected confidence into The Turf FC, who looked to build on their advantage.
However, despite fighting against both Top Club AND the wind battering against their faces, Top Club responded emphatically, equalising in the 20th minute with a stunning strike from outside the area. The goal shifted momentum, and the visitors capitalised on their newfound confidence. With the wind heavily beating against the Turf, we continued to fight, as Top Club pressed with shot after shot that were all well defended. But just 15 minutes later, Top Club would take the lead with a goal direct from a corner kick, bouncing through the box all the way to the back stick, only to be fired into the back of the net, leaving The Turf's defence scrambling to react.
As the first half drew to a close, Top Club struck again in the 40th minute, scoring another long-range effort that left Nick Dow with little chance as it nestled into the bottom-left corner. The Turf went into the break trailing 3-1, needing a significant turnaround in the second half.
The second half commenced with Top Club continuing their assault, and quickly adding to their tally in the 50th minute, scoring from inside the box to extend their lead to 4-1. The Turf found themselves in a precarious position, but they refused to capitulate.
Two substitutes were introduced to bring a bit more flair and chance into the game, with Jack Dawson stepping into centre back as Lewis Sullivan pushed upfield, while Ian Johnstone made way for newcomer Ryan Hardy up top. In the 80th minute, The Turf managed to pull one back through Lewis Sullivan, who headed home a well-delivered cross from Joe Currie, lofting the header over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. This goal reignited hope for The Turf, but time was running out, and they could not find the net again.
Despite their best efforts, The Turf could not close the gap further, and the match concluded with a final score of 4-2 in favour of Top Club. The Turf's performance showcased moments of promise, particularly from Sullivan, who was later named Man of the Match for his contributions. The defeat, however, highlighted areas for improvement such as cutting out unnecessary passes into danger and taking too long on the ball. However, we are clearly showing improvement againstbetter teams and continue to score goals. The only way to go from here, is up.
