Hellenic League Division 1 West

Cheltenham Saracens 1

Thornbury Town 1

THORNBURY shared the spoils in this top of the table clash, writes Malcom Carr.

The Thorns nosed ahead when Matt Davis’ run into the penalty area was brought to end with a clumsy challenge from Barnard, with the referee immediately indicating a penalty. Leading scorer Craig Lancastle made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Thorns thought they should have had another penalty when a jinking Harry Brock run into the Saracens penalty area saw him brought down but the referee thought otherwise. Brock was in action again 10 minutes before the break when he latched on to brother Jim’s through ball but an offside flag denied him the chance of doubling Town’s lead. The last couple of minutes of the half saw Kurtis Parkin in action again making comfortable saves from Kai Mahon.

The second-half saw Saracens on top and Barnard’s early header from a corner saw Joe Guest clear the lines. The full back was in action up the other end of the field a couple of minutes later setting up Harry Brock. The striker’s effort on goal fell to Craig Lancastle but a desperate clearance took the ball off his toe. Brock again looked to have been brought downin the penalty area but again the referee waved play on.

The last 30 minutes saw Saracens very much in charge and Price shot wide when well placed and with 20 minutes left a long throw found Brignull in the penalty area but his shot was saved at the foot of the post by Parkin. With 15 minutes remaining a Saracens freekick on the left was headed back across the goal a Josh Goodhall fired home from 10 yards out to equalise.

By now it was very much a rearguard action for Town but they looked as though they had managed the game out when in stoppage time Saracens were awarded a penalty. Their big striker Sercombe stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort was saved by Kurtis Parkin who reacted quickly enough to smother the follow up effort.

This Saturday Town are at home to Kidlington Development, with a 3pm kick-off at the Mundy Fields.