In a one-sided affair at Winlaton Vulcan RFC on 1st December 2024, The Turf FC faced a heavy defeat against High Spen Bute Arms.
The Turf FC lined up in the usual a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for creativity in attack. Following the Turf's mass exodus, seeing players such as Captain Matty Wheatley, Thomas Wheatley, Jack Dawson, Ewan McCabe, and Decous French all leaving the side, Ant had a fair bit of work in picking the squad with who remained.
Stepping out of retirement for one game off saw the return of Nick Dow, taking his place between the sticks, shielded by a back four comprising Andy Gowland and Jonny Thirlaway as the right and left defenders, with Lewis Sullivan and Dan Gowland occupying the central defensive roles. In midfield, Joe Currie stood in his usual position, while being accompanied by his brother, Lewis, tasked with controlling the centre. While Ben Walton, Ian Johnstone, and Tommy High operated as the attacking trio, supporting lone striker and fresh signing, Eithan Thomasson, looking to make an impression.
The substitutes for The Turf FC included Hubert Szordykowski and Damo Freeman, who would be called upon later in the match as tactical adjustments were needed.
The match began with both sides figuring each other out, both creating great chances as the teams battled back and forth. However, in the 20th minute, High Spen were awarded a penalty from a fair challenge, second game in a row for the Turf, which was converted after a retake to snatch the lead. This was quickly followed by a second goal just ten minutes later, as they capitalised on a defensive lapse from The Turf, scoring from inside the box.
As the first half progressed, High Spen continued to apply pressure, as the Turf could not find their feet, smashing the ball up-field instead of playing it on the deck. In the 35th minute, High Spen struck again, finding the net with another close-range effort. Just before half-time, they added a fourth goal, once again exploiting defensive weaknesses to leave The Turf trailing 0-4 at the break.
After the interval, The Turf FC made a tactical substitution, bringing on Hubert Szordykowski for Ben Walton in an attempt to change the momentum. However, the second half began poorly for The Turf, as High Spen scored their fifth goal in the 50th minute, taking advantage of a defensive mistake from a poor pass by Andy Gowland that left Dow with little chance.
In the 60th minute, The Turf made another change, with Damo Freeman replacing Lewis Currie, but the substitutions did little to stem the tide. High Spen Bute Arms continued their relentless assault, scoring their sixth goal in the 63rd minute, again from inside the box, showcasing their clinical finishing, before finalising the game with their seventh goal in the 70th minute, further extending their lead.
Despite the onslaught, The Turf FC managed to find a glimmer of hope in the 80th minute when Eithan Thomasson scored on his debut with a well-placed goal, assisted by Ian Johnstone's long pass through a gap in the defence.
As the match drew to a close, Tommy High managed to net a consolation goal for The Turf in the 90th minute, tapping in from close range after the goalkeeper scrambled the ball in the box. However, it was too little, too late, as the final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 2-7 defeat for The Turf.
Nick Dow was recognised as the standout performer for The Turf, despite the heavy loss, demonstrating resilience and skill in goal against a relentless High Spen Bute Arms attack.
