Gloucester County League

Frampton United 2

Thornbury Town 3

THORNBURY Town got their new league season off to a good start with a well-earned win at Frampton on Saturday, August 6.

However, it was the home side that should have taken an early lead when a cross from the right was headed over the bar.

United enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening 20 minutes with Thorns struggling to cope with the quick ball over the top of the defence.

However Town’s back line, well marshalled by Pete Fowler and Nathan Sage gave the home side few clear cut chances.

Midway through the half Wilton found himself with space but shot straight at Thorns’ stand-in keeper Scott McLeod.

Town changed their shape and gradually worked their way back into the game, with the home keeper scrambling to save Toby Bennett’s free-kick.

Then in the 32nd minute they took an unexpected lead when Tom Webb’s cross from the left eluded the home defence and Luke Franklin stole in at the far post to steer the ball into the net.

The goal lifted Town and the last 10 minutes saw them press forward, although without seriously troubling Frampton’s back line.

Thorns started the second half brightly with Danny Thompson’s long range effort producing a save from the home keeper but 8 minutes in they doubled their lead.

New signing Jordan Saxton, who had a good debut, was brought down on the edge of the area as he jinked his way past his marker. Luke Franklin curled the resultant free kick over the wall and into the corner of the net before the keeper moved.

Two minutes later Thorns put the game beyond Frampton’s reach when Franklins cross from the right found Craig Lancastle at the far post and he rifled the ball home.

On the hour mark, Frampton were given a lifeline when the referee awarded them a disputed penalty, with Myron Turner giving McLeod no chance from the spot kick.

The home side pressed forward but Town were rarely troubled at the back and in fact it was Thorns who came closest to scoring, Danny Thompson firing just too high.

Frampton grabbed another in the 90th minute, Fraser Wilson scoring direct from a freekick, but Thorns held on the secure the 3 points.

On Saturday, August 13 they visit near neighbours Kingswood in the Les James League Cup, kick off 3:00pm.