The Fountain FC 1 vs 0 Lanchester Cricket Club FC

The Fountain FC hosted Lanchester Cricket Club FC First at Consett Leisure Centre on 8 February 2026, with kick-off at 11:15am in a keenly contested league fixture, in front of a modest crowd of 45 spectators.

The Fountain FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive unit and a dynamic attacking trio. Andy Gowland took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, shielded by a back four consisting of Brandon Fitzgerald at right back, Dan Cave and captain Lewis Sullivan as central defenders, and Nathan Sterling operating on the left flank. Ian Johnstone anchored the midfield in a holding role, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball effectively. Ahead of him, Joe Currie and Lewis Currie occupied the right and left attacking midfield positions respectively, expected to link midfield and attack with creativity and pace. The forward line featured Scott Thompson on the right, Favour Ekomemen as the central striker, and Owen Hardy on the left, all charged with providing goal threat and stretching the Lanchester defence. The substitutes named on the bench were Jonny Thirlaway, Rowan Latimer, Liam Henry, Ben Walton, and Lewis Murphy.

The match began with Lanchester proving a difficult side to play against, keeping the ball and playing good football, the Fountain could do nothing but sit back and hold off for the counter attacks, gifting Lanchester with too many free kicks.

The first notable incident came in the 25th minute when Ian Johnstone was booked for a bad tackle, a caution that served as a warning to the central midfielder to temper his aggression and the aggression of the team, who were being very physical early doors.

A chance would arise for the Fountain when Favour was put through 1v1 against the Lanchester keeper. But was unable to convert as he strikes the shot straight at the keeper as the game remains 0-0.

The first half closed without any breakthrough, with both defences holding firm as the teams went into the break level.

At half-time, The Fountain FC made an immediate tactical change, replacing right back Brandon Fitzgerald with Jonny Thirlaway. This switch aimed to inject fresh energy and perhaps more attacking impetus from the flank. Ten minutes into the second half, another substitution saw Rowan Latimer come on for left forward Owen Hardy, signalling a shift in attacking options.

The decisive moment arrived in the 60th minute when Jonny Thirlaway delivered a precise free kick into the penalty area. Dan Cave rose highest to meet the ball with a powerful header, directing it past the Lanchester goalkeeper and into the net. This headed goal proved to be the match-winner and was a testament to Cave’s aerial prowess and timing.

Lanchester were back on the attack down the right wing, as the ball is fizzes across the face of goal, palmed away from goal by Gowland, only to land straight at an attackers feet. But as he strikes the ball, Johnny bravely jumps in front of the shot and sends the ball back out into play. Not long after this chance for Lanchester, The Fountain were awarded a corner, which was swung into the front post, and was met by Rowan Latimer, who flicks a leg at the chance, but the shot is kept out by the Lanchester goalkeeper.

Shortly after the breakthrough, The Fountain FC continued to adjust their midfield, with Liam Henry replacing Ian Johnstone in the 65th minute, likely to maintain midfield stability and energy.

Further tactical changes followed as Ben Walton came on for left defender Nathan Sterling in the 75th minute, perhaps to shore up the defence and preserve the lead. Following these changes, Lanchester were awarded a penalty to get themselves back into the game, but as the striker approaches the ball, he sky's the ball over the bar as the game remains 1-0.

In the 80th minute, Dan Cave received a yellow card for a deliberate handball as the ball was lofted over the top of the Fountain, before Cave palmed the ball away to halt the attack, an indication of his commitment to protecting the advantage but also a reminder of the fine margins in such a tight contest. The final substitution occurred in the 85th minute when Lewis Murphy replaced right attacking midfielder Joe Currie, adding fresh legs to see out the closing stages.

The end of the game saw Lanchester deep on the attack, when a floated ball is headered away, only to fall back to a Lanchester man on the edge of the box, who strikes the ball, Sullivan sticks a leg out to block the shot, but the ball ricocheted off his boot and curls for the bottom corner, only to be met with the heroic hand of Gowland to push the ball out for a corner, and keep his clean sheet.

Throughout the match, referee Ged Boyle maintained control, ensuring the game flowed while managing the physicality on display. The Fountain FC’s disciplined defensive display, combined with their timely attacking moments, secured a vital 1-0 victory over Lanchester Cricket Club FC First.

Dan Cave’s crucial headed goal and overall defensive solidity earned him the man of the match accolade, highlighting his significant contribution to The Fountain FC’s success on the day.