After a challenging start to the campaign, Thornaby FC are finally looking up rather than over their shoulders as back-to-back home fixtures offer the Teessiders a chance to cement their place in the ebac Northern League’s mid-table pack.
A run of five wins from six matches completely transformed the mood at Teesdale Park, hauling Simon Kasonali and Craig Skelton’s side away from the Division One relegation zone.
Now sitting comfortably clear of the bottom group, Thornaby are eyeing a spot in the top half of the table if they can extend their winning streak during a crucial home double-header.
Despite Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 defeat on the road at Newcastle Benfield, the recent turnaround included last Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Northallerton Town, where goals from Charlie Hindson and Alfie Conway either side of the interval secured the points.
Now, after the frustration of the midweek reversal on Tyneside, Thornaby are looking to return to form on Saturday against seventh-placed Easington Colliery (3pm) and against title chasers Guisborough on Tuesday (7.30pm).
“Despite Tuesday’s disappointment when three games in a week caught up with us, I have been so impressed with the character shown in recent games,” said co-manager Craig Skelton.
“Last weekend was a scruffy game at Northallerton; we didn’t play much pretty football, but we made sure we came away with three points.
“There are times when you have to be patient and just win your individual battles. That has proven to be the key for us lately, and if we keep doing that, we’ll keep moving up this table.
“We know the next two games are against teams with eyes on promotion but we are more than capable of making it tough for both of them and we will be doing what we can to deliver points.”
While the men’s side focuses on league progression, Thornaby FC Women take a break from their relentless promotion charge for a glamour tie in the County Cup semi-final this Sunday.
Fresh from a 2-1 victory over Harrogate Town that kept them firmly in the hunt for the North East Regional Women’s League Premier title, Curtis Collantine’s side travel to face York City Ladies (2pm kick-off).
York compete in the FA Women’s National League Division One North – one tier above Thornaby – providing Thornaby with a perfect ‘litmus test’ for the level they hope to reach next season.
Thornaby sit eight points clear of third-placed Spennymoor and, despite being 11 points shy of leaders Bradford City, they hold two crucial games in hand.
Sunday’s cup tie in York offers a chance to measure themselves against higher-league opposition after York famously lifted the trophy following a clinical performance against the Teessiders in a previous final.
“I was so proud of our first half last weekend,” said manager Curtis Collantine.
“We created so many chances but we have to start taking them and the girls know that. I am sure they will put it right this weekend.
“Sophie Curle was outstanding – she grafted, dropped deep to help the midfield, and still had the energy to run in behind and stretch their back four. She has even more levels to go, but her two goals were vital.
“We are expecting a tough game at York, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge we want.”
The weekend’s fixtures are sponsored by Steel Benders UK.
Tickets at Teesdale Park this weekend cost £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for u16s.
