It is set to be a significant weekend of action for Thornaby FC as the men’s and women’s squads look to secure important points at opposing ends of their respective tables.
With games in hand and plenty to play for, there is a clear sense of determination within the club as both sides head into a busy run of fixtures.
Craig Skelton and Simon Kasonali’s Blues are back on the road this Friday (7.30pm kick-off) when they head to Horden CW determined to return to winning ways.
Despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Marske United last weekend, there were positives for the management team to build on – notably a first-half goal from Sonni Coleman.
Thornaby, whose home date with Penrith on Tuesday was postponed, sit fifth from bottom but remain in control of their own destiny in ebac Northern League Division One.
The team holds a seven-point cushion above the bottom two and possesses games in hand on the majority of the teams around them.
Joint managers Kasonali and Skelton view this Friday – and the trip to Newcastle Benfield next Tuesday – as the perfect opportunity to put points on the board before a run of five consecutive home games.
Skelton wants results. He said: “Right now, like it or not, we are in a dog fight and we need to pull our sleeves up, stand up, and be counted. The minimum we expect is 100 per cent.”
Skelton acknowledged the frustration felt during the Marske game, where missed chances masked a strong first-half performance, but insists the focus is now fully on the reaction.
He said: “We can’t accept that performance and we won’t. It needs to change.”
With the squad hungry to bounce back, Saturday represents a fresh start and a chance to put distance between themselves and the drop zone.
Thornaby Women travel to Alnwick Town this Sunday (2pm kick-off) looking to keep the pressure on those above them.
The Blues returned to action in style last weekend after almost two months without a game, securing a gritty 2-1 win over Wallsend BC Women.
Captain Jen Knowles led by example, showing a clinical edge with a penalty and a superb free-kick to secure all three points.
Sitting fourth in the North East Regional Women’s Premier League, Thornaby sit in a strong position despite not playing a league game since facing Bradford City on November 2.
They have lost just once all season and, crucially, hold two games in hand on leaders Bradford. A win on Sunday would see Thornaby close the gap on second-placed Alnwick, who sit just two points ahead having played three more games.
Thornaby boss Curtis Collantine, who had his first game in charge last Sunday, was delighted to see the team record a victory after a long lay-off and is eager to carry that momentum into Sunday’s match.
“It was a massive relief to finally get back out on the pitch after more than two months without a league game,” Collantine said.
“To come away with three points showed great character from the squad. Jen Knowles stepped up with real quality when it mattered, and that’s exactly what you want from your captain.
“We know Alnwick is a tough place to go, but we have games in hand and the belief is there to keep chasing down the top spot.”
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