East Stanley Wmc FC And Sunderland Plains Farm First Share Spoils In Thrilling Cup Tie

In a gripping encounter at North Durham Academy on 24 November 2024, East Stanley Wmc FC faced Sunderland Plains Farm First in a cup match that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after normal time, leading to a penalty shootout where Sunderland emerged victorious 6-5. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with both teams eager to progress in the competition.

East Stanley Wmc FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Liam Chatton took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Ryan Allen on the right, Lewis Cox and Sam Hodgson in central defence, and Danny Castro on the left. The midfield trio featured Dan Cumpson on the right, Cameron Foreman in a central role, and Kieran Taylor on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Drew Lake and Callum Lishman operated as wide forwards, with Kieran Gohery leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes for East Stanley included Kyle Fazakerley, Brandon Bailey, and Andy Taylor.

The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Sunderland who struck first, taking the lead in the 25th minute. A well-placed shot from the opponents found the back of the net, putting East Stanley on the back foot. However, the home side responded positively, with Callum Lishman equalising just six minutes later in the 31st minute. Lishman’s effort showcased his skill and determination, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting the home crowd's hopes.

As the match progressed into the second half, East Stanley made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on Kyle Fazakerley for Sam Hodgson to bolster their midfield. The game resumed with renewed intensity, but Sunderland quickly regained the lead in the 51st minute, scoring their second goal and putting East Stanley in a challenging position once again.

Despite the setback, East Stanley refused to back down. In the 58th minute, Drew Lake found the net, levelling the score at 2-2 and sending the match into a thrilling climax. With both teams pushing for a winner, East Stanley made further substitutions, introducing Brandon Bailey for Callum Lishman in the 70th minute and Andy Taylor for Lewis Cox in the 80th minute, aiming to freshen up their attacking options.

As the match approached its final stages, tensions rose, and Kieran Gohery received a yellow card in the 83rd minute, a reflection of the match's intensity. With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout to determine who would advance in the cup.

In the shootout, East Stanley Wmc FC fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, with Sunderland Plains Farm First converting their penalties to win 6-5. The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.