Thornaby FC joint-manager Craig Skelton has challenged his side to prove they can mix it with the ebac Northern League Division One’s elite this season as they prepare to host title-chasing Guisborough Town this Saturday.
The Priorymen will head to Teesdale Park (3pm kick-off) backed by a strong following as they look to take another significant step towards promotion.
Town currently sit two points clear of Shildon and are determined to preserve their status as occupants of the automatic promotion spot.
While the visitors have their eyes on the title, the stakes are equally high for the hosts.
Things haven’t gone to plan for Thornaby this season, and the Blues are in desperate need of points to keep themselves clear of the relegation zone.
Skelton and co-manager Simon Kasonali – who took over in September – are searching for the consistency that has eluded them this campaign, aware that recording a shock result against the league leaders could provide the catalyst they have been looking for.
Skelton said: “We know we have the quality within this dressing room to pick up results against anyone in this league on our day.
“However, we are under no illusions and facing Guisborough is a massive test.
They have been impressive all season and are where they are in the table on merit, so we need to be at our absolute best to get something from the game.”
The challenge comes hot on the heels of a difficult afternoon last Saturday, where Thornaby suffered a 3-0 home defeat to fellow promotion hopefuls Whitley Bay.
The visitors secured the win thanks to a first-half penalty from Mackenzie Sharpe, followed by a second spot-kick from Callum Larmouth with 13 minutes remaining.
Mikel Thompson wrapped up the win for the Bay with just five minutes left on the clock.
“It was a tough result to take,” Skelton said. “To lose 3-0 always hurts, but the manner of it was disappointing.
“Even though we didn’t find the net ourselves, we conceded two penalties which, looking back, could have been prevented. Then, to concede the third so late on, it was just too easy for them to score and kill the game off.
“There are positives to take from parts of the performance, but we simply need to see more during this difficult period.
“We know Guisborough will be another incredibly tough game, but we have the players capable of making it hard for them and delivering the points we need to climb the table.”
Tickets are available £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for u16s. It promises to be a great day out with sport shown from 12.30pm at Teesdale Park as Manchester United vs Tottenham will be live on TV, then after the game England’s Six Nations opener vs Wales will be shown.