Bristol Churches League Division One

Thornbury Baptists 4 Kensington Baptist 1

CAPTAIN James Cooke’s hat-trick helped secured Thornbury Baptists a crucial three points against bottom of the table Kensington Baptist.

In a bizarre game, where the visitors played most of the football, it was the home side who scored on seven minutes, a long throw from James Hancox being headed straight in at the front post by Cooke.

Whilst The Baps struggled to pass the ball around effectively, on 25 minutes they won a throw in the identical spot that brought the first goal, and Hancox’s pinpoint delivery was headed in again by Cooke in a repeat of the first goal.

How the home side were 2-0 up was a mystery, as Kensington, inspired by John Cordle, didn’t allow the Thornbury midfield to take the initiative.

Nic Lockett-Chapman went close with a strike that went just wide, and Cooke almost scored his hat-trick when his snap shot smacked against the bar.

Dave Lane was relatively untroubled in the Thornbury goal as Kensington constantly missed the target and were let down by their final ball.

The Baps started brightly in the second half, and on 52 minutes it was Hancox who threaded in Cooke but he was fouled in the penalty area and duly despatched the penalty to get his third.

Thornbury’s back line looked solid, although Lane was forced into making a couple of saves before a speculative long ball from Nick Tymko was chased down by Ash Tuck. He got to the byline, beat his man and crossed to Hancox, who made no mistake from eight yards out.

Further chances came for Lockett-Chapman, and Jake Alker, celebrating his 100th appearance for the Baps, who were frustrated not to end with a clean sheet as Cordle scored a controversial consolation with the very last kick of the match.

The Baps take on high-flyers Hillfields away on Saturday, 10am.