Gloucestershire County League

Thornbury Town 2 Rockleaze Rangers 1

THE crowd were still finding their seats as this game burst into life from the off.

Thornbury conceded a freekick in their own half in the first minute and when the kick was taken short the ball found its way to ex-Hereford striker James Pilling on the edge of the six yard box and he made no mistake.

The lead was not to last long however as almost from the restart the Thornbury midfield played some incisive passes resulting in a well struck shot from Luke Franklin which the keeper could only parry to ex-Severn Beach striker Craig Lancastle who again made no mistake 1-1 after four minutes.

A fairly quiet spell followed but good efforts from Franklin and Nathan Irwin only resulted in corners which were dealt with comfortably by the visiting back four and keeper Al Lippiatt in the home goal also did well to punch clear as the half drew to a close.

One-one at half time with the score reflecting an even 45 minutes with neither side quite able to impose themselves on the game.

On 48 minutes, a quick freekick from Toby Bennett rebounded off a team-mate and, with Rockleaze breaking quickly, the home side escaped when Lippiatt tipped over the bar.

Thornbury began to gain the upper hand as their quick passing game resulted in freekicks around the box and Bennett's pinpoint deliveries found Irwin whose effort was saved by the keepers feet and Pete Fowler who headed against the post.

Mid-way through the half Marcus Wormwell came off the bench and the extra movement up front resulted in some sustained Town pressure which paid off in the 75th minute when Mark Viner was bundled over in the box.

With usual penalty-taker Tom Webb, suspended Lancastle stepped up and coolly gave Thornbury the lead.

The visitors were not going to let the points go without a fight though and Joe Guest headed off the line late on with Lippiatt beaten The action was still not over as the visitors keeper went up for a corner and as the ball was cleared managed to make the one hundred yards back to deny Wormwell.

Thornbury just about deserved the win as they edged the game on possession and chances and move up to third in the league