2s v Old Thorntonians

After a run of heavy defeats the 2s were glad to see several familiar faces return to the match day squad for the local derby against Thorntonians.

The 2s were out for revenge after being robbed of a hard earned point during the away fixture thanks to some questionable refereeing decisions. However, with Thorntonians sitting pretty top of the league and the 2s precariously hovering over the relegation trap door, they knew it would be a tough ask.

After a relatively quiet opening 20 minutes, the Boro started to take the upper hand in the game. Faure and Lavens were getting on top of the midfield battle, and Laker, Shepherd and Bodur were beginning to put some pressure on the shaky Thorntonians defence.

Eventually this pressure paid off and resulted in a corner, which Laker superbly swung in to find Youngman at the back post who looped his header into the far corner to put the 2s ahead.

1-0!

The Boro continued to push, but Thorntonians were starting to get a hold on the game, and a long throw found one of their attackers who smartly headered the change into the top corner.

1-1

This spurred Thorntonians on and they started to come forward in waves, however, Murray, McNally, Youngman and Moevani all stood in their way. A goal mouth scrabble saw Thorntonians smash the post, while Lavens pulled out an amazing goal saving tackle to keep the sides level.

The 2s needed something special to ease the pressure, and boy did they get it. After several years of witnessing some of Faure's long range efforts, he was presented with another after a nice lay off from Cozens-Smith. As the ball left his foot, most expected it to land somewhere on one of the neighbouring pitches, but this one had the swaz, whip and swing which CR7 would be proud of, and fooled the keeper nestling in the roof of the net. What's that saying again about 1,000 monkeys and 1,000 typewriters?

2-1!

Faure's goal didn't only stun the 2s, but also shocked Thorntonains, and they began to make mistakes. The 2s sensed their opportunity, and a great ball by Youngman found Laker who put the ball into the Thorntonians box causing a panic, but Bodur cooly put the ball on a plate for Cozens-Smith who tucked away his chance.

3-1!

The 2s were in dreamland, but knew there was still work to do, and the back four held out to half time, for a well deserved break.

The second half saw Thortonians huff and puff in search of a way back into the game. However, they faced a brick wall at the back. Murray and Moevani weren't letting anyone down the flanks, and McNally and Youngman constantly won headers.

However, Boro were dealt a blow when Faure pulled his hamstring midway through the half. After a late drop out, and call ups to the 1s, only Taylor was available, but that wasn't dependent on someone taking care of Taylor junior.

After a 5 minute period, which felt like an hour, of playing with 10 men, Taylor was ready to go, and slotted into midfield.

After still struggling to create opportunities with a man advantage, Taylor's arrival seemed to deflate Thorntonians, and Boro came close through Laker and Cozens-Smith to extending their lead.

As the match wore on the 2s back line held firm. They were supported by some great hold up play from Bodur, and plenty of tackles being won by Lavens, Taylor and Cozens-Smith in midfield.

Then as the clock ticked down, Boro could finally celebrate their first league win since the opening day of the season, and sweet revenge over their neighbours. A hard thought victory which moves them out of the relegation zone.

With two more home games to go until the Christmas break, the 2s will be hoping for two similar performances as they look to rebuild their season.

UTB