After a great run of form for Town they went into this game on the back of a cup exit and a defeat at table-topping Houghton Rangers. It was a chance to bounce back against a team in a similar position in the table. Injuries ruled out James Frost, John Mcdade, Danny Smith and Ross Proud but Town’s strength in depth was obvious with the return of Sam Jayes to the first team squad.
Town started brightly and were 1 up within the first ten minutes when a break down the right from Sam Jayes saw him rifle a low cross into Liam Aubrey who turned it in at the near post. Town were in complete control and were 2 up after 13 minutes when a break down the left saw Jelly turn inside his defender and smash his effort across the keeper into the far corner. After 24 minutes it was 3 when a long ball from A.Ramkissoon sent Jayes clear and he finished superbly across the keeper when under pressure from the defender. Town visibly took their foot off the pedal and Thurnby struck back when the midfielder was left far too much room on the edge of the area but his tame effort trickled through keeper Smith’s hands and just crossed the line. After 5 minutes of uncertainty Town took control again and there were further chances for Aubrey, Jelly and Jayes but they weren’t taken and the game was not yet over. HT TN 1-3 LTFC.
The second half began as the first had ended despite a crucial save from Smith Town were still dominant and within 5 minutes were 4-1 in front. A wide ball from Silk found Jelly wide left and after beating the full back he pulled the ball back for Jayes to slot past the keeper. Within 3 minutes of that Jelly made it 5 for Town and the game was as good as over. The game settled down but Town will be disappointed with the number of chances they allowed Thurnby to create and after 65 minutes Smith brought down the centre forward who then made no mistake from the spot. Jelly then went close with an overhead kick that hit the crossbar. Silk, A.Ramkissoon and Jelly were all replaced as Town sat back on their lead and the game ended 2-5 although it could have been 5-10 in all honesty! Town now turn their attention to another huge league game away at Ratby Sports next Saturday weather pending. FT TN 2-5 LTFC.
