THE Better Side Lost | TANFIELD 5-2 THE TURF

The Turf FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking creativity. Nick Dow took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jonny Thirlaway on the right, Ewan McCabe on the left, and the central pairing of Jak Booth and Lewis Sullivan. In front of them, Joe Currie and Dylan Sharp operated as central midfielders, tasked with linking defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Liam Henry on the right, Lewis Currie on the left, and Decous French in the central attacking role, supporting lone striker Matty Wheatley.

The match began with an early setback for The Turf, as Tanfield struck first within the opening minute, scoring an inside-the-box goal that set the tone for the encounter. However, The Turf FC responded swiftly, with Liam Henry finding the net just five minutes later, converting a chance created by Matty Wheatley, stealing the ball from the keeper, squaring the ball across for Henry to level the score at 1-1.

The game took another turn when Tanfield was awarded a soft penalty in the 25th minute, with the "supposed" foul committed by Jak Booth from a in swinging corner, which they converted to regain the lead at 2-1. The Turf FC continued to fight thoughout the first half, creating golden opportunities to find the net, but despite their efforts, they could not find an equaliser before the break, even though they were looking the stronger side.

As the second half commenced, Tanfield were quick to score, as an early corner was converted in the 50th minute, extending their lead to 3-1. The Turf's woes deepened when the opponents scored again in the 60th minute, making it 4-1 and leaving The Turf FC with a mountain to climb.

In a moment of hope for The Turf, Matty Wheatley managed to score in the 65th minute, tapping in a goal from close range after a huge challenge on the keeper by Lewis Currie led to an open goal for the captain, narrowing the deficit to 4-2.

With the game pushing on and the opponents becoming weary, the Turf's substitutes were itching to get involved and bring the game back into our favour. However, Tanfield responded emphatically, scoring their fifth goal in the 75th minute as the game fell out of sight for the away side.

As the match drew to a close, the Turf made a number of last minute changes to spark some life back into their hopes of a come back. Despite their efforts, The Turf FC could not find a way back into the match, and the final whistle confirmed a disappointing defeat. Ewan McCabe was recognised for his efforts throughout the match, earning the title of Player of the Match amidst a challenging outing for the team.