A newfound sense of togetherness has sparked a dramatic turnaround at Teesdale Park, as co-manager Craig Skelton credits a shift in squad culture for hauling Thornaby FC away from the ebac Northern League Division One relegation dogfight.
The Teessiders head into back-to-back away fixtures at Northallerton this Saturday and Newcastle Benfield next Tuesday full of renewed confidence.
After recording two vital wins in just four days earlier this week, Thornaby have moved eight points clear of the drop zone and within touching distance of the mid-table pack.
Following a disappointing showing against Marske United earlier this year, the management team issued a challenge to the squad to improve their collective work ethic.
A team night out in Newcastle proved to be the unlikely catalyst for their recent run of three wins from their last four league games, alongside a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Boro Rangers in the League Cup.
“It has been really positive for the last few weeks,” said Skelton, who has been hugely impressed along with co-boss Simon Kasonali.
“We called the lads out after the Marske United game and told them we needed more teamwork and accountability.
“We had a night out together to try to improve things in Newcastle shortly after that and that did play a part in bringing us all together. We are huge on that as a management team. Now, we are playing for each other and we finally look like a team.
“Our aim now is simple and that is to pick up as many points as possible to distance ourselves from the bottom group and push toward that mid-table finish we know this group is capable of.”
Thornaby’s latest triumph came on Tuesday night against Carlisle City. After a gruelling 70 minutes of stalemate, Lucas Casson headed home a Charlie Hindson cross to break the deadlock, before James Sayer sealed the points in stoppage time following another precise delivery from Hindson.
The feel-good factor at the club extends to the women’s side, where manager Curtis Collantine remains unbeaten since taking the helm.
Thornaby host Harrogate Town this Sunday looking to maintain their relentless pursuit of league leaders Bradford City in North-East Regional Women’s League Premier.
The Teessiders showed their mettle last weekend, coming from a goal down at half-time to defeat Sunderland West End 3-1.
A Sophie Curle penalty, a strike from Nicki Gears and a stunning stoppage-time effort from Eve Gatens ensured the gap to the Bantams remains at eight points – with Thornaby holding two games in hand.
Collantine is delighted with the physical output of his squad but warns that focus must remain absolute both on and off the field.
“In the first half against Sunderland we’re created plenty of chances without putting them away, but we were brilliant after half-time; the energy and physicality were exactly where they needed to be,” said Collantine.
“But we can’t afford to drop by even half a per cent. We have to maintain these standards every day to achieve the goals that we have.
“It’s about staying focused even when we aren’t at training together. I am so proud of everyone’s efforts so far, but we have to keep this momentum going if we want to stay in that promotion mix.
“We’ve improved our ball progression and our energy is fantastic, but the job is far from over. We are looking forward to the next game and focused on getting the job done.”
The weekend’s action is sponsored by The Key’s Restaurant, proud front-of-shirt sponsor’s for our away shirt.
