Thornaby FC coaches are looking for a much-needed run of home comforts this December.
The Blues are hoping a lengthy stint at Teesdale Park will give both the men’s and women’s teams the ideal finish to the year.
The men’s first team enters a critical period, seeking to transform the home ground into something of a fortress.
So far this season, the Blues have only managed one league win from their six Ebac Northern League Division One games on Acklam Road.
And after the away trip to Northallerton in the North Riding Cup on Tuesday, Thornaby begin an unusual stretch of seven consecutive home fixtures this Saturday, welcoming Whitley Bay.
They follow this with games against Birtley Town, Newcastle Benfield, Whickham, Newcastle Blue Star and West Auckland throughout December, concluding the run on January 3 against Penrith.
Joint managers Craig Skelton and Simon Kasonali will be urging their players to take full advantage of this opportunity to climb the table. The team sits eight points shy of the top half and three clear of third-from-bottom Crook Town.
The importance of improving the home record is highlighted by the team’s recent luck, having seen their last two fixtures abandoned – one due to floodlight failure against Birtley, and the other following a serious injury to goalkeeper Harry Alderson, who suffered a fractured tibia against North Shields.
Skelton said: “We have to make the most of this long spell at Teesdale Park. Our home form has been frustrating, but we now have seven chances in a row to put it right.
“Every point is crucial, and the players know the necessity of continuing to improve to climb away from trouble and give ourselves a solid foundation for the second half of the season.”
The next time Thornaby hit the road will not be until January 10, when they travel to Newcastle Benfield.
Thornaby Women are aiming to translate their stunning cup form back into the league as they chase down top spot.
While the search for a new manager continues, Thornaby sit five points behind leaders Bradford City and four points behind Spennymoor Town, though Spennymoor have played three games more.
The Women’s team demonstrated their firepower in the North Riding Cup last weekend with an astonishing 21-1 victory over Northallerton.
The goals were shared widely, with four each coming from Jen Knowles, Sophie Curle and Eve Gatens, while Kirsty McQuilling, Hannah Robson and Sophie Tierney all netted a brace. Estelle Clark, Izzy McEwen, and Daisy Swash also found the back of the net.
Thornaby’s squad know they must maintain focus on the league, especially with Ponteland proving a dangerous threat.
Ponteland currently sit fifth, having won three of their four games in the North East Women’s Regional League Premier Division, and a successful run of their games in hand would put them firmly in the promotion mix.
Thornaby’s Director of Football Andy Campbell, who is also in interim charge, said: “The cup result against Northallerton was phenomenal, and the goal tally speaks for itself – the quality in this squad is clear.
“Now, the importance lies in recapturing that winning feeling and consistency in the league. Every game is a six-pointer at the top of the table, and we need to be clinical and dominant to keep the pressure on Bradford and Spennymoor.”
The Thornaby FC community will come together this week to remember one of their own. A minute’s silence will be held before every Thornaby game at all levels following the sudden and tragic death of Under-23s player, Harvey Skipper.
A Thornaby FC statement read: “The club extends its heartfelt condolences to Harvey’s family, friends and all who knew him during this difficult period.”