9:00am Saturday 14th August 2010
By Rob Iles
THORNBURY TOWN manager Dave Lippiatt believes winning the County League will be a much tougher ask second time around.
A run of ten consecutive wins at the end of last season saw the Thorns snatch the title for the first time in their history.
Their ground at the Mundy Playing Fields was not up to Western League or Hellenic League standard meaning they remain in the County League but Lippiatt reckons it will be difficult to repeat last season’s achievements.
He said: "There is one team in the last 22 years who have retained the title so the law of averages says it will be a difficult job. Everyone wants to beat you this year so it’s bound to be harder."
All of last season’s squad have signed on for the new season, including Artem Azytski despite interest from Bath City, Paulton Rovers, Mangotsfield United and Bristol Manor Farm.
The Ukranian striker joined towards the end of last season after moving to the country and hit 12 goals in nine games as Thornbury charged towards the title.
Lippiatt said: "At the moment he’s signed for me so hopefully he’ll stay with us.
"We’ve got a stronger squad than this time last year so we’re looking forward to the new season."
Thornbury begin their defence with a local derby at Chipping Sodbury Town next Wednesday (6.30pm).
Yate Town Reserves begin with a trip to Axa on Saturday (3pm).
Thornbury’s pre-season build up continued last Thursday when a youthful side visited Somerset Senior League St George, and came away with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a goal from Ashley Lloyd.
Thorns played some good football and created a number of good chances during the course of the game but lacked the final touch in front of goal.
However, they were overwhelmed by Southern League side Mangotsfield United, who ran out 8-0 winners at Cossham Street on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Reserves entertained Cam Bulldogs last Thursday in a pre-season friendly and shocked their Northern Senior League visitors by coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Two goals from Tom Blyth and a winner from Scott Reeves saw them continue their good pre season form.
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