Clifton 4ths 0 Thornbury 5

THORNBURY resumed league fixtures with a convincing victory over Clifton.

Both sides included a number of promising young players but the greater experience of Thornbury, with Sara Newman and Elaine Arnold excelling in defence, ably assisted by acting captain Tess Wheatley, turned the game in Thornbury’s favour.

Clifton’s youngsters displayed some fine stick skills whereas Thornbury’s young players showed a greater determination on the ball and were quicker to react to situations.

Amanda McGarry and Alex Arnold were dominant in midfield with the enthusiastic Arnold popping up all over the pitch.

Rachel Underwood and Nicola Bruce were steadying influences up front to aid the eager youngsters in the team. Lucy Woodruff showed a number of fine touches throughout and was rewarded with two excellently taken goals.

Rachel Underwood deftly guided home a through ball from Laura Haywood to give her side the lead and McGarry added a second with a fine strike following a short corner. Rosie Liddington scored the other goal for the winners when her powerful shot gave the home keeper no chance. Izzy Hunter contributed a number of well-timed passes in midfield and Poppy Woolnough worked tirelessly up front but was unable to get her name on the goal sheet.

Liz Jenkins in goal dealt effectively with a number of Clifton shots to enable her side to keep a rare clean sheet. Injured captain Jen Arnold, supporting from the sideline, was full of praise for her young side. She hopes the confidence gained from a deserved victory will set the pattern for the rest of the season in the team;s fight to pull away from the relegation places. South Gloucester provide the next opposition on Saturday at Castle School (12noon). l The 4-1 scoreline did not reflect the performance by Thornbury seconds at Wick seconds and Sarah Brealey's side hope to return to winning ways in the derby match at Wotton-under-Edge seconds on Saturday