Thornaby FC is intent on shaking off a frustrating period this week, with the first team diving straight back into a crucial run of home fixtures starting tonight.
Recent downpours meant both the men’s fixture against Whitley Bay and the women’s game against Ponteland were called off at the weekend, forcing another frustrating free Saturday for the ebac Northern League Division One side.
While the women’s team won’t play again now until the New Year, the men are straight back into action tonight against Birtley Town at Teesdale Park (kick-off 7.30pm).
Joint managers Craig Skelton and Simon Kasonali are keen to finally build some momentum after seeing their last three matches disrupted by either abandonments or postponements.
Their immediate focus is on transforming Teesdale Park into the fortress they know it can be, especially given the disappointment of Saturday’s washout.
The Blues have managed only one league win from their six Ebac Northern League Division One games on Acklam Road so far this season – a record they are desperate to improve during this extended period at home.
The fixture against Birtley tonight is immediately followed by Saturday’s visit of Newcastle Benfield. This kicks off a busy December schedule that also includes further home dates against Whickham, Newcastle Blue Star and West Auckland, concluding the home run on January 3 against Penrith.
Joint Manager Craig Skelton is stressing the importance of making this opportunity count. He said: “We have to put the recent frustrations behind us immediately. The weather and recent disruptions have been a challenge, but we have a huge opportunity now with seven home games on the bounce.
“We need to be hungry for success at Teesdale Park and use this run to secure our Division One status. The lads know that two or three victories will quickly move us comfortably into mid-table, and that needs to start tonight.”
Thornaby currently sits 11 points shy of the top half of the table but are three points clear of third-from-bottom Crook Town.
Crucially, the club has played fewer games than most teams above them, meaning a successful home stand could see them climb the table dramatically.
The hope is that Thornaby will be in a much stronger, more stable position in Ebac Northern League Division One by the time they hit the road again for an away match at Newcastle Benfield on January 10.
