Avon Youth League Division Three

Thornbury Town U16s 1 Longwell Green 0

THORNBURY Town Under-16s welcomed Longwell Green to the Chantry pitch for their last league game before they head off to Eindhoven, Holland, to play two friendly fixtures over the Easter break.

The game turned into a tight and tense affair but it came down in Thornbury’s favour when the referee blew the final whistle on the match.

Thornbury started the game by playing up the slope and they welcomed back striker Jacob Harper, making his first league start after having 11 months out with a serious foot injury.

The opening moments were an even affair as both teams tried to ease their way into the match.

Thornbury, though, were strong in their play and challenges and, on 10 minutes, they took an early lead when a long goal kick by Ryan Tyler in the Thorns goal caused confusion in the visitors’ defence.

Striker Louis Ogilvie was quickest to react and he calmly rounded the keeper to slot the ball home into an empty net.

The visitors came storming back and the Thorns defence, lead by Sam Downes, worked hard to keep Longwell Green out.

The game was now a midfield battle with Denym Di Mauro standing out for the home team with his high energy.

Thornbury thought they had extended the league when Downes ventured forward for a Thorns free kick. He met the ball perfectly and nodded the ball home, however the linesman had raised his flag for a tight offside decision.

Both teams then created chances but failed to capitalise and Thorns went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half started with Thornbury using the slope to their advantage much better than the visitors did in the first half, while the half-time substitutes were beginning to make a good impact.

Thornbury were having great success through Mike Tanner on the right wing as he managed to link up well with his strikers.

Then, Thornbury gained an advantage when they were awarded a penalty as Denym Di Mauro jinxed his way into the box only to be tripped by a Longwell Green defender.

Tanner walked up and took the responsibility for the penalty kick but his shot sailed high over the crossbar.

Longwell Green responded well after that let-off but were having no joy against a determined home defence.

Thornbury switched personnel with 10 minutes remaining to try to protect their narrow lead and they succeeded as the visitors did not create any clear-cut chances as the match came towards the final whistle.

It was a well-earned victory for the home side and it will no doubt boost Thornbury’s confidence as they now head off to try their luck in Holland on their Easter tour.