Thorns secure survival in final match

A COMFORTABLE final-game victory at Bradford Town ensured Thornbury Town’s safety in the Hellenic Premier division.

After a run of just one point from six games had left Thorns looking over their shoulders, they knew that a win at Bradford, who have since been relegated themselves, would ensure another season at Step 5 of the National League System.

An early goal from Joe Guest settled any nerves in the Thornbury side and then Harvey Pritchard doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. The home side created some chances, especially from set pieces, but Town’s defence held firm. A Harry Brock header from Luke Franklin’s free-kick wrapped up the scoring and a comfortable 3-0 win for Thorns.

Thornbury started the season with just one point from their opening 10 games, but great team spirit and progress since saw them rally to stay in the league in what was just their second full season at this level of football.

Meanwhile the Reserves have maintained their push for promotion and, hopefully, the League title.

After only one fixture in March due to postponements, games are coming thick and fast. A 4-4 draw with promotion rivals Patchway Town Reserves was followed by a 4-1 win away at Bristol Barcelona.

The goals kept coming in the next away game at Totterdown United, where a Harrison Young hat-trick and goals from Stan

Wyatt, James Cooke and Ollie Wilson gave them a comfortable 6-1 win.

The next home game saw the Reserves ease to another three points when they enjoyed a comfortable 8-1 victory over a game Chipping Sodbury A team.

That win keeps Thorns Reserves in fourth position but with games in hand on the teams above them, promotion and the league title are very much in their own hands.

The A team have completed their season with a couple of defeats that will see them finish mid-table.

Theirs has been a stop-start season, where injuries and unavailability have played their part.

However, having been promoted the previous season, the club is pleased with the progress that has been made, as the team looks to build for next season.

Malcolm Carr