[text_center]Thorne Colliery 5 – 1 South Kirkby Colliery [/text_center]
[text_center]Doncaster & District FA Challenge Cup[/text_center]
Thorne Colliery looked to progress into the semi final of the Doncaster & District Cup against a South Kirkby side hoping to cause a major upset.
The match started with nothing of any real note being created by either team for the first 20 minutes. Chances were scarce, but it was the away side that looked most capable of breaking the deadlock. That all changed on 25 minutes as a long ball from Rodgers was collected by Thomas and he calmly lofted the ball over the keeper, to give Colliery a 1-0 lead.
This didn’t distract South Kirkby as they continued to put pressure on Thorne’s defence. They were coping with everything thrown at them up until 40 minutes when South Kirkby’s striker beat the offside trap and found himself bearing down on goal. As he was about to shoot a tackle by Rafferty blocked the shot – only for it to rebound towards the goal, with Colliery ‘keeper Chester saving with his legs – the ball then falling kindly back to the South Kirby striker for him to equalise.
Half-Time: Thorne Colliery 1 – 1 South Kirkby Colliery
Thorne started the second half better than the first, playing some good passing football and winning more second balls and headers. They looked the better team, with chances being created – most notably when Simpson blazed over from just six yards. Despite chances to score, neither team were able to add to their first half tally.
Full-Time: Thorne Colliery 1 – 1 South Kirkby Colliery
With 30mins of extra time being needed it was Thorne who looked the fitter side. This paid off when Colliery took a commanding lead with goals from Sheppard (2) & Fell. Then with just 5 minutes remaining Luke Raffery won the ball in his own half, ran 40 yrds with the ball, played a one two inside the box, and with his right foot guided the ball into the net to make it 5-1 & settle the tie.
Full-Time (aet): Thorne Colliery 5 – 1 South Kirkby Colliery
Manager Tony Stroud once more paid tribute to his team for a hard fought victory, saying that the quality in his side made all the difference. He added ”We now find ourselves in the semi final of the Doncaster & District Cup, the semi final of the Goole & Thorne Cup, and the quarter final of the Central Midlands League Cup. We’re also 4th in the league. Having just a small squad, the lads have done remarkably well. I’m really proud of them for what they’ve achieved so far. Hopefully we can carry on and win something, to have something to show for it all. Keep it going lads.”
