East Stanley Wmc FC Triumphs In Thrilling Cup Encounter

East Stanley Wmc FC faced off against Whickham Coachman First in a gripping cup tie at Saltwell Park on 10 November 2024, with the match kicking off at 10:30 am. In a closely contested battle, East Stanley emerged victorious with a final score of 3-2, securing their place in the next round of the competition.

East Stanley adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which saw Liam Chatton stationed in goal, while a solid backline comprised of Ryan Allen and Jack Franklin as right and left defenders, respectively, with Sam Hodgson and Lewis Cox anchoring the central defence. The midfield trio featured Dean Pearce on the right, Cameron Foreman in the centre, and Drew Lake on the left, providing both defensive cover and attacking support. Up front, Brandon Bailey and Callum Lishman operated as left and right forwards, with Kieran Gohery leading the line as the central striker.

The substitutes for East Stanley included Kyle Fazakerley and Andy Taylor, who would be called upon later in the match to influence proceedings from the bench.

The first half was marked by a tense atmosphere, with both teams probing for openings. However, it was Drew Lake who found himself in the referee's book, receiving a yellow card in the 35th minute for a late challenge. Just before the half-time whistle, Kieran Gohery broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, scoring with a well-placed shot after a clever assist from Brandon Bailey, sending East Stanley into the break with a 1-0 lead.

As the second half commenced, East Stanley continued to press their advantage. Just two minutes after the restart, Brandon Bailey doubled the lead in the 47th minute, finishing off a move initiated by Cameron Foreman’s precise pass. The momentum seemed firmly with East Stanley, but Whickham Coachman First responded with determination, pulling a goal back in the 60th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback.

Ryan Allen restored East Stanley's two-goal cushion in the 69th minute, scoring with a deft finish following another assist from the ever-influential Brandon Bailey. However, the match was far from over, as Whickham Coachman First refused to back down, scoring again in the 90th minute to set up a frantic finale.

As the match entered its closing stages, tensions rose. Brandon Bailey received a yellow card in the 78th minute, followed closely by Liam Chatton, who was cautioned in the 80th minute. The game saw its final substitution in the 84th minute, with Andy Taylor replacing Callum Lishman, before Ryan Allen made way for Lishman again in stoppage time.

Despite the late pressure from Whickham Coachman First, East Stanley held firm to secure a hard-fought victory, with Ryan Allen earning accolades for his standout performance. The match showcased resilience and skill from both sides, but it was East Stanley who celebrated a well-deserved triumph in this thrilling cup encounter.