Mickley Social FC 1 vs 1 The Turf FC

The Turf FC lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Andy Gowland took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Nathan Sterling on the right, Jamie Tincknell and Robert Grzebyk in central defence, and Jonny Thirlaway on the left. In front of the defence, Ian Johnstone played a pivotal role as the central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Joe Currie on the right, Lewis Sullivan on the left, and Matty Wheatley at the centre, with Owen Hardy and Lewis Currie leading the line as forwards.

The match commenced with both teams eager to assert their dominance, getting shots off at both ends as they figured each other out, but it was The Turf FC who struck first. In the 10th minute, Lewis Currie found the back of the net for a second game, converting a well-placed assist from Matty Wheatley inside the box. This early goal injected confidence into The Turf FC, who continued to press for a second.

As the first half progressed, Mickley Social FC began to find their rhythm, but The Turf FC's defence held firm, with Gowland making crucial saves to maintain the lead. The half-time whistle blew after 15 minutes, with The Turf FC holding a slender advantage.

However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Mickley Social FC, determined to equalise, mounted a series of attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when they played the ball through, commiting a foul on Rob Grzebyk at the back, leaving the striker one on one with the back-peddling keeper, before knocking the ball around him for a last minute goal that levelled the score at 1-1. The Turf FC's defence was caught off guard, and the equaliser sent the match into a penalty shootout after the final whistle.

In the shootout, The Turf FC faced the pressure of the moment. Andy Gowland took his place between the sticks, but guessed the wrong way for the first pen. For the Turf, up stepped Jamie Tincknell, as calm as can be, firing the ball into the back of the net to level the score in the shootout. Andy took his place again, but once again chose incorrectly as Mickley Social took the advantage. Returning to the scene stepped Matty Wheatley, placing the ball at the spot, but fires wide, securing their defeat in the sudden death shootout.

Despite the disappointment of the penalty shootout, The Turf FC showcased their attacking prowess and resilience throughout the match, setting a solid foundation for future encounters in the tournament.