DEBUT HERO IN HEATED ENCOUNTER | LEADGATE 0-5 FOUNTAIN

On 2nd November 2025, The Fountain FC travelled to Eden Park to face Leadgate Workmen's Club in a league away fixture kicking off at 10:30am. The 90 minutes were under the watchful eye of referee Ged Boyle.

The Fountain FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Andy Gowland in goal behind a back four of Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, Dan Cave and Jamie Tincknell as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling covering the left back position. Ian Johnstone operated as the holding central midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and distributing play. Ahead of him, Joe Currie and Captain Lewis Sullivan took up the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, expected to provide width and creativity. The front three consisted of Scott Thompson on the right wing, Favour Ekomemon leading the line as striker, and Owen Hardy on the left wing, all charged with stretching the opposition defence and converting chances. The substitutes bench featured Similoluwa Afilaka, Shan Emmanuel, Jonny Thirlaway, Ben Walton, and Lewis Murphy.

The match burst into life immediately as The Fountain FC took the lead inside the opening minute. Favour Ekomemon delivered a precise cross into the box, where Joe Currie was on hand to tap in from close range in a lofted chance that hung in the air for what felt like forever, before nestling into the net, setting the tone for a dominant display. The early goal unsettled Leadgate Workmen, and The Fountain continued to press with intent.

At the 20-minute mark, Owen Hardy’s short pass found Scott Thompson just outside the penalty area. Thompson executed a delightful lob with his right foot, catching the goalkeeper off guard and doubling the visitors’ advantage. This goal showcased Thompson’s technical skill and composure from distance.

The first substitution came at 25 minutes when Lewis Sullivan was forced off due to injury, making way for debut Similoluwa Afilaka. The introduction of Afilaka injected fresh energy into the left attacking midfield role.

Just five minutes later, Afilaka made an immediate impact, receiving a short pass from Favour Ekomemon before unleashing a spectacular long-range screamer with his right foot, leaving The keeper rooted to the spot as the shot flew into the net. This goal not only extended the lead but also demonstrated Afilaka’s shooting prowess and justified his early introduction.

The first half concluded with The Fountain FC firmly in control, leading 3-0 at the break.

The second half saw a tactical substitution at 55 minutes as Shan Emmanuel replaced right back Brandon Fitzgerald, signalling a strategic adjustment to maintain defensive solidity while allowing attacking players more freedom.

At 60 minutes, Afilaka continued his remarkable performance by scoring his second goal of the match. A Joe Currie corner was floated in, met by a clever flicked assist from Favour Ekomemon, before Simi headered the ball emphatically past the goalkeeper. This header underlined Afilaka’s aerial ability and opportunism inside the box.

Five minutes later, The Fountain FC made a double tactical switch; Jonny Thirlaway came on for left forward Owen Hardy, and Ben Walton replaced right forward Scott Thompson. These changes aimed to refresh the attacking options and sustain the team’s momentum.

At 70 minutes, Lewis Murphy replace left defender Nathan Sterling, while Sterling returned to the pitch replacing Shan Emmanuel, who had been introduced earlier. This rotation maintained balance across the defensive line.

The scoring continued at this juncture when Ian Johnstone delivered a long pass that found Favour Ekomemon, who calmly finished with a right-footed tap-in to make it 5-0. This goal highlighted Johnstone’s vision and Ekomemon’s poise in front of goal.

Shortly after, at 75 minutes, a foul by Leadgate turned violent as the two teams erupted into a heated scrap, with both sides rushing onto the pitch in the confrontation. Once the heat finally died down, Ged was able to restart the game without further incident. Further tactical substitutions were immediately made to ensure cool heads for the remainder of the match. Lewis Sullivan returned to the field, replacing Favour Ekomemon in a tactical move, allowing the striker some rest after a commanding performance.

At 80 minutes, an injury forced Nathan Sterling off the field once again, with Scott Thompson reintroduced to the right forward position, ensuring The Fountain FC retained their attacking threat until the final whistle.

Throughout the match, The Fountain FC’s dominance was clear, with Similoluwa Afilaka earning the Man of the match accolade for his two goals and overall influence. The team’s fluid attacking play, combined with a disciplined defensive structure, ensured a clean sheet and a resounding victory over Leadgate Workmen.

Referee Ged Boyle officiated the game impeccably, maintaining control and allowing the match to flow, contributing to an entertaining contest witnessed by 40 spectators at Eden Park.