[text_center]Thorne Colliery 3 – 0 Clay Cross Town [/text_center]
[text_center]Central Midlands Football League Challenge Cup[/text_center]
Thorne Colliery started 2014 with a cup game against a Clay Cross team seeking revenge after losing 2-0 to Colliery twice previously in the league.
From the whistle Thorne played nice, attractive, passing football and didn’t have to wait long for a chance on goal. On 10 minutes Sheppard was played through on goal & with only the keeper to beat, he blazed the ball over the bar.
Playing 5 in midfield Colliery dominated and further chances were created by Atkinson, Thomas & Hookway – but Colliery couldn’t find a way past the Clay Cross ‘keeper.
Half Time: Thorne Colliery 0 – 0 Clay Cross Town
Dorgan didn’t appear for the second half due to injury and was replaced by Lugton.
The second half started much the same as the first with Colliery pressing for that first goal and saw more chances squandered by Tiffany & Atkinson.
With 30 minutes remaining Sneap was replaced by Ebbage and Thorne went to a 4-4-2 formation. Within 5 mins a through ball by Lugton found Ebbage in the box and he side footed the ball into the net with the keeper stranded. 1-0 to Colliery.
Thorne’s defence was strong throughout the game and didn’t look like conceding a goal, allowing the midfield to press at every opportunity.
Substitute Ebbage was forced to come off injured and was replaced by Simpson. Within 2 minutes Simpson had his name on the score sheet with a shot from 10 yards, leaving the Clay Cross ‘keeper no chance.
Then with a long run from his own half Lugton played a 1-2 with Atkinson & put the game to bed with a quality finish, making it 3-0 to Colliery.
The Referee blew his whistle to end the match & see Thorne go into the quarter finals.
Full Time: Thorne Colliery 3 – 0 Clay Cross Town
TEAM: Chester, G Rafferty, Dorgan, Rodgers, Sneap, Hindson, Sheppard Atkinson, Thomas, Hookway, Tiffany, Redmile, Lugton, Ebbage, Simpson, Stoddart.
Manager Tony Stroud paid tribute to his squad for the hard work they have put in so far this season, adding “With injuries taking their toll over the Christmas period its going to be a real test for us in the coming weeks, but we’re a good enough side to get through it. The team still had 5 substitutes to choose from, which showed the togetherness of the squad.”
Thorne Colliery have now won all 10 games at home this season, conceding only 3 goals.
As well as currently sitting 4th in the Central Midlands Football League, Black Dragon Division North, they have seen further success in so far reaching the semi-final of the Goole & Thorne District FA Cup, the quarter final of the Doncaster & District FA Challenge Cup, and the quarter final of the Central Midlands Football League Challenge Cup. These ties to be played throughout January.
Colliery are currently looking for further sponsorship to keep the club going, as costs are increasing each season. If anybody would like to advertise their business, either on a kit or boarding around the pitch, they can get in touch with Tony Stroud on 07540771639
