SPITFIRES EDGE PAST THORNBURY TO KEEP TITLE HOPES ALIVE

Thornbury Falcons 0 Slimbridge Spitfires 1

 

The Spitfires kept their title hopes alive after edging past a determined Thornbury side by a single goal.

The first half saw Slimbridge start the better and it wasn't long before Jordan Hodges had tested the keeper with a shot from the edge of the area. Ollie Furneaux also forced the goalkeeper into a good save and it looked as if it was just a matter of time before the Spitfires took the lead.

However as the half wore on Thornbury started to come back into the game. Harry Prescott was quickly off his line to make a smart save that led to a corner. From the corner Thornbury went close with a shot cleared off the line by Joe Wilcox. Thornbury were now on top and had a succession of corners, going close on a couple of occassions.

The half ended with the Spitfires getting some more possession and George Mack made a number of driving runs from midfield.

The second half saw the Spitfires playing up the slope. This didn't seem to faze them and they were quickly into their stride. Seven minutes into the half they took the lead. Jordan Hodges made a good run down the left side of the area and finished brilliantly with a low left foot shot into the far corner.

Thornbury hit back and almost scored except for a fingertip save onto the bar by Harry Prescott. Sam Crosby had now joined Ryan Ponting in the defence and both boys were oustanding in the latter stages of the match, controlling the Thornbury forwards. Despite good possession the two defenders with the aid of Joe Wilcox kept them at bay.

Joe Oliver had a good chance to finish the game off, but once again the keeper made a great save. At the end of the match both sides deserved a lot of credit.

Saturday sees what could be the title decider as the Spitfires host reigning champions Forest Green at St. Johns Road. Kick off is 10.30.

Men of the Match were Sam Crosby and Ryan Ponting.