Missed Chances & New Faces - USHAW MOOR FLASS 2-1 TURF

In a closely contested friendly match at the Sir Bobby Robson Sports Complex on 9 March 2025, The Turf faced off against Ushaw Moor Flass Inn FC. The Turf lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Andy Gowland took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising of debut player Daniel Laddie on the right, Jamie Tincknell and team veteran Jonny Thirlaway playing out of position in central defence, and fellow newcomer, David Coe, on the left. In front of them, the midfield duo of Joe Currie and Lewis Sullivan were tasked with both breaking up opposition play and facilitating attacks. The attacking trio featured Brad Jones on the right, Ian Johnstone in the central role, and third debut player, Owen Hardy, on the left, with Ian Carrick leading the line as the lone striker. The substitutes available for The Turf FC included Hubert Szordykowski and Ross Laybourn.

The match began with The Turf looking lively, with Brad Jones striking the post early on in the match, letting the opposition know this was not going to be an easy game. The Turf's early efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute, with a well-coordinated team move culminated in Ian Carrick finding the back of the net, courtesy of an assist from Joe Currie. Carrick's composed finish with his right foot gave The Turf a promising lead as they began the search for a second.

However, Ushaw Moor Flass responded with determination, despite being outplayed by the Turf. In the 35th minute, they equalised with a one on one goal scored from inside the box. Just five minutes later, they took the lead with a spectacular strike from outside the area, a stunning left-footed effort that only just seeped past Gowland. The Turf found themselves trailing 2-1 as the half drew to a close.

As the second half commenced, The Turf sought to regain control of the match. They created chance after chance, with a number of opportunities falling upon newcomer Owen Hardy, being found at the back stick a number of times, but the pressure of his debut proved too much and ultimately was substituted off for Hubert Szordykowski in the 60th minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack.

In the 70th minute, another substitution saw Joe Currie make way for Ross Laybourn, further emphasising The Turf's intent to push for an equaliser. Despite their efforts and a spirited performance, they were unable to find the back of the net again. It wasn't until the 85th minute when team manager, Ant Lockeron, subbed himself into attack for one last push, who's chance came knocking with a last minute corner that was poorly passed back out for a goal kick before the final whistle sounded.

The match concluded with Ushaw Moor Flass Inn FC celebrating their hard-fought victory, while The Turf FC were left to reflect on missed opportunities. Jonny Thirlaway was recognised for his outstanding performance, earning the accolade of Man of the Match.