East Stanley Wmc FC Triumph Over Consett Steel Club First

In a thrilling cup encounter at North Durham Academy on 27 April 2025, East Stanley Wmc FC emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1 against Consett Steel Club First. The match kicked off at 10:30 am and saw East Stanley rally from an early setback to secure their place in the next round of the competition.

East Stanley lined up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Joe Longstaff took his position between the sticks, shielded by a back four comprising Kyle Fazakerley on the right, Sam Hodgson and Lewis Cox in central defence, and Ryan Allen on the left. The midfield trio featured Dean Pearce on the right, Kieran Gohery centrally, and Cameron Foreman on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Will Shaw and Callum Lishman occupied the flanks, with Matty Allison leading the line as the central striker.

The substitutes were not listed for this match, but the starting eleven was more than capable of delivering a strong performance.

The match began with a frenetic pace, and it was Consett Steel Club First who struck first, taking the lead in the seventh minute. The early goal put East Stanley under pressure, but they remained resolute and focused on their game plan.

As the first half progressed, East Stanley began to find their rhythm, with Gohery pulling the strings in midfield. Their persistence paid off just before half-time when Ryan Allen equalised in the 40th minute, finishing off a well-worked move that was expertly assisted by Gohery. The goal revitalised the home side, and they went into the break level at 1-1, buoyed by their late first-half strike.

The second half saw East Stanley come out with renewed energy, but it was not without its challenges. Ryan Allen received a yellow card in the 55th minute, a moment that could have swung the momentum back in favour of Consett. However, East Stanley maintained their composure and continued to press for a winner.

As the match neared its conclusion, East Stanley's determination bore fruit in the 85th minute when Callum Lishman scored the decisive goal, assisted by Dean Pearce. Lishman's strike sent the home fans into raptures, and the team held on for a hard-fought victory.

With this win, East Stanley Wmc FC demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead. Lewis Cox's commanding performance in defence earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, showcasing his importance to the team's success.