It is a season-defining period at Teesdale Park as both the men’s and women’s teams at Thornaby FC find themselves fighting to achieve their targets across league and cup competitions.
With promotion pushes, silverware and aims to stay well clear of trouble within reach, this weekend marks another big couple of days for the club.
The men’s side has undergone a fantastic transformation in recent months.
A record of just two defeats in their last eight games has revitalised their campaign, hauling them away from relegation trouble and into the thick of the Brook Mileson Cup.
Following an impressive 1-1 midweek draw against title-chasing Guisborough Town -where Joe Kennedy’s superb low strike gave Thornaby the lead – the attitude shift among the group is clear.
Thornaby now prepare for a tough trip to play-off hopefuls Boro Rangers on Saturday, the same side they knocked out of the cup on penalties just last month. It kicks off a heavy travel schedule that includes trips to North Shields and West Auckland.
Co-manager Craig Skelton said: “The lads have been impressive lately, showing exactly the right attitude to turn things around.
“We want to finish the season as strongly as we can to ensure we are competing on two fronts – pushing up the table in the league to stay well clear of safety, while keeping that momentum going into our cup clash with Boldon on March 24.”
Thornaby FC Women continue their heroics after booking a place in the North Riding County Cup Final.
A dramatic late winner from Abby Robson against York City Ladies – who sit a division above Thornaby – has set up a highly anticipated final against York Minster Belles Development Team.
However, league business takes priority this Sunday as they travel to Ossett United (2pm).
While Thornaby sit eight points behind leaders Bradford City, they hold two crucial games in hand in the race for promotion and the title in the North-East Regional Women’s League Premier.
Despite Ossett being winless in 2026, manager Curtis Collantine is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “We have to stick to the purpose of how we want to play. The girls have been tremendous and we know it doesn’t matter who we are facing, we have to perform every single week.
“Not only do we want to go and win that final, it has to be our mentality and mindset to keep winning in the league to achieve our goals.
“The girls have been so focused on the task at hand. It’s exciting, but we have to keep delivering on these two fronts.”
Upcoming Fixtures:
Men: vs Boro Rangers (a) – Saturday
Women: vs Ossett United (a) – Sunday, 2pm
Next at Teesdale Park: Men vs Boldon (Brook Mileson Cup) – March 24
The weekend’s fixtures are sponsored by Emerson Advisers.
https://emersonadvisers.co.uk/
Tickets at Teesdale Park this weekend cost £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for u16s.
