Teesdale Park is preparing to host a big double header this weekend when Thornaby FC go in search of some home comforts.
With the men’s side looking to build on Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Penrith by orchestrating a shock against the league leaders and the women’s team continuing their relentless pursuit of the title, the Teesside faithful are in for an important weekend in the club’s season.
The action kicks off on Saturday (3pm) as the men’s first team hosts Shildon, the current pacesetters of Ebac Northern League Division One.
The task couldn’t be steeper. While Shildon sits five points clear at the summit, Thornaby is locked in a battle to climb up into the security of mid-table.
Now ten points clear of second-bottom West Allotment Celtic sitting in 16th, the Blues are looking up rather than dwelling on the teams below them.
Thornaby want to see improvements in their own backyard.
The side has struggled for consistency at Teesdale Park and Tuesday’s victory over Penrith was only the third home league win all season – actually winning more on their travels.
Co-managers Craig Skelton and Simon Kasonali are aware that if they are to stun a Shildon side that cannot afford any slip-ups, the home record must improve immediately.
Skelton said: “We really need to improve the home record in the run-in. It has been hard with the number of postponements, and the pitch has taken a battering with the weather, but hopefully we are over the worst now and we can look to build some momentum.”
Thornaby bounced back from falling behind early on to Kevin McKenna’s opener by claiming three points against Penrith courtesy of Shaun Ryder’s clever touch and finish before Kieron Parnaby’s spot-kick seven minutes before half-time.
Saturday’s Shildon fixture is one of three further home games in a row, with a League Cup tie against Boro Rangers sandwiched between this and a visit from promotion-hopefuls West Auckland.
The focus will then switch to Sunday (2pm) as Thornaby Women welcome South Shields down Acklam Road.
Curtis Collantine’s side made everyone sit up and take notice in the division by recording an incredible win over leaders Bradford City followed by a professional three points on the road at Brunsmeer.
Despite an enforced break due to the weather, Thornaby remain the primary threat to the top spot, sitting eight points shy of Bradford with two crucial games in hand.
With further home dates against Sunderland West End and Harrogate Town on the horizon, this run of games at Teesdale Park could keep the heat on in the promotion race before the squad travels to South Shields for the return fixture on March 15.
Collantine is urging his side to make the most of their home advantage. He said: “We will deliver on home turf to keep the pressure on Bradford, who can’t afford a slip-up.
“The girls have worked incredibly hard through the break, and they are desperate to get back out there and show what they can do.”
