SUPER SUB SAVE FOUNTAIN | FOUNTAIN 4-3 BLAYDON HUNTSMAN

The Fountain FC hosted Blaydon The Huntsman FC at Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on the morning of 16 November 2025, with kick-off at 10:30am in a fiercely contested cup tie.

The Fountain lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Andy Gowland started in goal, protected by a back four comprising Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, Lewis Sullivan and Jamie Tincknell as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling on the left. Ian Johnstone operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and recycling possession. Ahead of him, Joe Currie took up the right attacking midfield role, with Similoluwa Afilaka on the left, both expected to supply width and creativity. The front three featured Scott Thompson on the right forward position, Favour Ekomemen as the central striker, and Lewis Currie on the left forward spot, all charged with leading the line and converting chances. The substitutes named were Damo Freeman, Owen Hardy, Ben Walton, and Shan Emmanuel.

The match burst into life early on when Similoluwa Afilaka opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a stunning solo effort from outside the box, curling a right-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper. However, just five minutes later, The Fountain were forced into an early change as goalkeeper Andy Gowland was forced off the pitch and was replaced by substitute Damo Freeman, who would later prove pivotal.

Blaydon The Huntsman responded swiftly, levelling the score in the 20th minute with a close-range tap-in, capitalising on a defensive lapse. The Fountain regained the lead five minutes later when Afilaka again found the net, this time inside the box after a neat short pass from Favour Ekomemen, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defence.

The momentum continued to favour The Fountain as Lewis Currie extended their advantage in the 30th minute, firing in a precise strike from outside the area following a long pass from Ekomemen. The visitors were not to be outdone and pulled one back just before half-time, with a close-range finish inside the box in the 44th minute, setting up a tense interval with the score at 3-2.

After the break, The Fountain started slow, but sought to consolidate their lead and did so in style when Favour Ekomemen headed home a close-range cross from Afilaka in the 60th minute, showcasing excellent aerial ability and timing. The tactical battle intensified around the 70th minute as The Fountain made a double substitution, bringing on Owen Hardy for Scott Thompson and Shan Emmanuel for Brandon Fitzgerald, both changes designed to inject fresh energy and maintain their attacking impetus. Minutes later, Ben Walkton would be introduced in place of Lewis Currie for a set of fresh legs going forward.

Despite The Fountain’s efforts to see out the game, Blaydon The Huntsman mounted a late rally and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute from a frantic goalmouth scramble, setting up a nervy finish. However, The Fountain held firm to secure a memorable 4-3 victory.

Damo Freeman’s introduction following the early substitution to Andy Gowland proved decisive, as his composure and shot-stopping helped preserve the lead in the closing stages, earning him the Man of the match accolade. Referee Ged Boyle managed the game with a steady hand, allowing the match to flow while keeping control of the competitive atmosphere.

The Fountain FC’s 4-3 triumph over Blaydon The Huntsman FC was a thrilling cup encounter that showcased attacking verve, resilience, and tactical astuteness at Delves Lane, setting them up for the next round with confidence.