In a thrilling league encounter on 8th March 2025, Thorn 2011 secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Gleniffer Black at their opponents' ground. The match kicked off at 9:30 am and showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance from both sides, but it was Thorn 2011 who emerged victorious.
Thorn 2011 lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed for a dynamic attacking approach while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Liam Curivan took his place between the sticks, shielded by a back four consisting of Elliot Marner on the right, James Welsh and Lewis Meikle in central defence, and Dylan Crombie on the left. The midfield trio featured Leon Bradley on the right, Joe Caldwell in the centre, and Gus Piper on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forwards. Up front, Ryan Haigh operated on the right flank, Jack Ross led the line as the central striker, and Riley Boyd occupied the left forward position. The substitutes for Thorn included Dan Wilson, Aidan O'Malley, Markus McAuslan, and Shaun McCabe.
The match began with an early setback for Thorn 2011 as Gleniffer Black took the lead in the 14th minute. The goal came as a shock, forcing Thorn to regroup and refocus their efforts. As the first half progressed, Thorn struggled to find their rhythm, but they remained resolute in defence, limiting Gleniffer Black's chances.
In the 35th minute, Thorn made their first substitution, bringing on Dan Wilson for Jack Ross, who had been working hard but was unable to find the back of the net. Shortly after, Shaun McCabe received a yellow card, adding to the tension on the pitch. The first half concluded with Gleniffer Black holding a narrow lead, leaving Thorn with much to ponder during the break.
The second half commenced with renewed energy from Thorn 2011, and they quickly equalised just a minute after the restart. Shaun McCabe, who had just received a yellow card, made an immediate impact by scoring a crucial goal, bringing the score to 1-1 and igniting hopes of a comeback.
Thorn continued to press, and in the 48th minute, Aidan O'Malley replaced Leon Bradley, adding fresh legs to the midfield. Just a minute later, Markus McAuslan came on for Ryan Haigh, further bolstering Thorn's attacking options. The substitutions proved pivotal as Thorn took the lead in the 51st minute when Dan Wilson found the net, making it 2-1.
The momentum was firmly with Thorn, and they capitalised on their advantage just two minutes later. Shaun McCabe, having already made his mark with a goal, struck again in the 53rd minute, extending Thorn's lead to 3-1 and sending their supporters into raptures.
With the scoreline in their favour, Thorn 2011 managed the game effectively, maintaining possession and stifling any attempts from Gleniffer Black to mount a comeback. The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved victory for Thorn, who showcased resilience and attacking flair throughout the match. The win not only boosts their league standing but also serves as a testament to their growing confidence as a team.
