Date: Saturday 9th November 2024, 15:00
MOM: Hawkins, Kane, Derry
Goals: Derry, TBC
YNE North East Men’s Division 3 Tees
Stokesley Men’s 3s took to the field with determination in their away fixture against Thirsk Men’s 2s, aiming to build on recent performances. The team showed early promise, pressing high and creating some promising opportunities, but it was a match filled with action, drama, and some frustrating missed chances.
The first half saw Stokesley looking to assert control, although the game was marked by a setback when James received a green card in the 12th minute, temporarily reducing Stokesley to ten men. This challenge, however, didn’t deter them. Just four minutes later, a break down the left saw Xav Lane drive in from an acute angle before expertly flicking the ball past the Thirsk keeper, putting Stokesley 1-0 ahead and setting a positive tone for the team.
Thirsk responded quickly, equalising in the 21st minute, but Stokesley continued to create chances. A slick passing sequence from Luke to Xav and then to Jacko culminated in a well-taken reverse hit, only for the Thirsk keeper to produce an impressive save. Not to be denied for long, Stokesley restored their lead just two minutes later when Adam Derry struck from just inside the D, finding the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Stokesley’s relentless pressure saw more attempts on goal, with efforts from Xav and Adam testing the Thirsk keeper, who responded with a series of outstanding saves to keep his team in contention. However, with the clock approaching the 32nd minute, Thirsk earned a short corner and made no mistake in converting, bringing the score to 2-2 as both teams headed into half-time.
The second half began with Stokesley in strong form, producing fluid passing moves and maintaining sustained pressure on Thirsk’s defence. An early short corner appeared to have given Stokesley the lead when Jonny sent a powerful strike high into the net, but the goal was disallowed for being above the permitted height, a decision that frustrated the visiting side.
Against the run of play, Thirsk capitalised on a quick break to take a 3-2 lead, which was soon followed by another well-executed short corner, pushing the scoreline to 4-2. Despite the setback, Stokesley remained undeterred, battling hard to find a way back. Unfortunately, Thirsk extended their lead further with a great reverse-hit finish to make it 5-2, putting them firmly in control.
Stokesley continued to press forward, demonstrating resilience and quality in their attacking play. Jacko, Xav, Adam, and Luke all saw further chances go narrowly wide or saved by the impressive Thirsk keeper. Stokesley also won multiple short corners but, despite creating a number of shooting opportunities, struggled to convert these into goals.
In the final minute of play, as Stokesley pressed high to close the gap, Thirsk managed one last counter-attack, which they finished clinically to make it 6-2. The final score was harsh on Stokesley, who had shown tremendous effort and quality throughout, with the final margin not entirely reflective of the overall play.
Final Score: Thirsk 2s 6-2 Stokesley 3s
Stokesley will take many positives from this game, particularly the cohesive passing and relentless attacking drive. With continued effort and a bit more finishing precision, they are well-placed to bounce back in upcoming matches.
Next game: Norton M3 - Away (Saturday 16th November 2024, 12:00 push back)
Comments