Avon Youth League Division 3

Thornbury Town U16  3 Mendip Broadwalk 1

THORNBURY Town u16 played their first home league game of the season against a very physical, tall and intimidating Mendip Broadwalk team and their calm composure and team spirit saw them run out 3-1 winners.

Thornbury were dealt a blow before kick off when they lost four players to injury and illness but the reshuffled team started the  match  looking to continue their great start to the season. Thorns were playing up the slope in the first half and they gave their manager the fast start to the game that he had demanded. Thornbury we much quicker to the ball and passed it around the visitors with ease and they deservingly took lead after some great play by Josh Betts and Anthony Cooper down the right side which saw the resulting cross converted confidently by Thorns striker Denym Di Mauro (who was making his home debut) with a diving header. The visitors who were a big strong team and physical in the challenge were not enjoying the opening to the game and this was starting effect their composure resulting in some hefty challenges.
Thorns captain and midfield partner Charlie Exell were working really hard to keep the opposition from getting a foothold in the game. Thornbury extended their lead when a great ball from Exell from midfield played in Cooper who calmly slotted the ball under the advancing keeper to grab his 6 goal in 7 games. The home team then started to look a little tired after their fast start and this allowed the visitors to get back into the game but the home defence lead by Sam Downes ensured the home team reached half time with their 2-0 lead intact. 
Thornbury were dealt a blow at half time when team captain Tom Cornock had to come off injured and went straight to hospital with a suspected broken wrist after falling awkwardly during the first half, although he bravely wanted to stay on. 
Thornbury also had to make another forced change as leading goal scorer Cooper also had to come off not moving as freely as he should be as he was suffering with cramp. The enforced changes seemed to unsettle the home team and they struggled to find their first half rhythm as the game was played mainly in the Thornbury half. Broadwalk were pushing for a goal that would get them back in the game but Thorns held firm as Ashworth cleared a Broadwalk chance off the line. Thornburywere then dealt another blow as Denym Di Mauro came off feeling sick. Another re shuffle was required by the home team and as the second half wore on they gradually got back into the game. Thorns were now back on the front foot and the visitors who were still flying into their tackles gave away a silly free kick away just outside the box. 
The resulting free kick was taken by left back Rob Ashworth who’s shot hit the wall and rebounded back to him he then squared the ball right to Josh Betts who slotted the ball home in the top right corner. 
The home team had another free kick on the edge of the box but this was hit high and wide by Downes. Thornbury had to make another change when Michael Tanner had to come off with a dead leg. Both teams were now running on empty and as Thornbury looked to close out the game a defensive error aloud the visitors a consolation goal. 
Thornbury nearly grabbed a fourth but the shot hit the cross bar and bounced down onto the line before being cleared. A great team effort by Thornbury who had to cope with a lot of injuries before and during the game.