Leadgate Workmen's Club Le 2 vs 2 The Fountain FC

The Fountain FC travelled to Delves Lane Community Association Pitch on the morning of 29 March 2026 to face Leadgate Workmen's Club Leadgate Workmen in a keenly contested cup away tie, kicking off at 10:30am.

Fountain FC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, starting off with Damo Freeman in goal, a back four of Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, Dan Cave and Jamie Tincknell as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling on the left. The double pivot in central midfield featured Ian Johnstone and Lewis Sullivan tasked with both defensive cover and linking play. Ahead of them, Lewis Currie operated as the attacking midfielder, charged with creating chances for the front three. The forward line consisted of Rowan Latimer on the right, Favour Ekomemen leading as the central striker, and Owen Hardy on the left. The substitutes bench included Andy Gowland, Dylan Saleh, Ben Walton, Jonny Thirlaway, and Lewis Murphy, ready to influence the game if called upon.

The match burst into life early on with Fountain FC asserting themselves. At the 20-minute mark, Favour Ekomemen unleashed a spectacular screamer from outside the box, brilliantly set up by a neat short pass from Lewis Currie. This goal gave Fountain FC an early lead and set the tone for an open encounter. Both sides battled hard through the first half, with the defence lines tested but holding firm until the break.

At half time, the score remained 1-0 to Fountain FC. The second half began with immediate tactical changes as Andy Gowland replaced Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, and Dylan Saleh came on for Owen Hardy on the righ flank. These substitutions aimed to refresh the team’s dynamics and maintain attacking impetus.

However, the wind picked up desrly and blew heavily in Leadgate's favour. Leadgate Workmen responded strongly after the interval. In the 55th minute, they capitalised on a set piece, scoring from close range to level the match. The goal was a reminder of the dangers posed by dead-ball situations and shifted momentum towards the home side.

Fountain FC regained their advantage ten minutes later when Favour Ekomemen once again found the net, this time finishing a well-worked team move. Lewis Sullivan provided the assist with a precise short pass, allowing Ekomemen to demonstrate his clinical striking ability and put Fountain FC 2-1 ahead.

The contest remained finely balanced, but Leadgate Workmen were not finished. In the 80th minute, they scored a stunning equaliser directly from a corner kick, with the ball curled in from outside the box. This goal stunned the visitors and set up a tense finale.

Despite efforts from both sides, neither could break the deadlock in the remaining minutes, and the match ended 2-2 after normal time.

The ensuing penalty shootout proved decisive, Jamie Tincknell stepped up first and converted his penalty perfectly, reminding the team why he is the first choice pen taker. Leadgate would then equalise, making it 1-1 in the shootout. Next stepped up captain Lewis Sullivan, who was unlucky as he struck the bar, sending the ball over the goal. Leadgate approached and made the score 2-1. Next up was the top goalscorer himself, Favour Ekomemen, who also struck metal and failed to score.

Leadgate once again stepped up to take a shot, and thankfully struck it wide, gifting the Fountain a slither of hope as Rowan Latimer placed the ball at the penalty spot. However, it wasn't in the script as the Leadgate keeper parried the ball out for a save, retaining Leadgate's lead. The home side stepped up once again, looking to finish the game off, but missed once again, striking the post. It all fell down to Lewis Currie, looking to keep the Fountain in the shootout, but luck wasn't on our side as the Leadgate keeper once again pulled out another save to gift the home side the win. With Leadgate Workmen edging Fountain FC 2-1 to progress in the cup.

Throughout the match, goalkeeper Damo Freeman was a standout performer for Fountain FC. In summary, Fountain FC produced a spirited display away from home, showing attacking flair and resilience. Yet, the fine margins of cup football were evident as they fell short in the shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Delves Lane.