In a thrilling league match held at Thorn 2011's home ground on 7th December 2024, the hosts secured a convincing 3-1 victory against St Cadocs. The match kicked off at 9:10 am and showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance, culminating in a well-deserved win for Thorn 2011.
Thorn 2011 lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Liam Curivan took his place in goal, while the back four consisted of Dylan Crombie and Elliot Marner as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Lewis Meikle and James Welsh forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Jack Ross operated on the right, Leon Bradley in the centre, and Alfie King on the left, providing a balanced midfield trio. Up front, Gus Piper and Riley Boyd flanked striker Dan Wilson, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Thorn 2011 included Aidan O'Malley, Ryan Haigh, Cole Findlater, and Kian Kelly, ready to make an impact from the bench as the match unfolded.
The match began with a shocking start for Thorn 2011 as St Cadocs took an early lead just one minute into the game. The visitors capitalised on a defensive lapse, putting Thorn on the back foot right from the outset. However, the home side responded with determination and equalised in the ninth minute when Dan Wilson found the net, assisted by Lewis Meikle. This goal injected confidence into Thorn 2011, who began to dominate possession and create further chances.
As the first half progressed, Thorn 2011 continued to press, but the score remained level until the half-time whistle blew at the 35-minute mark. The teams went into the break with the score at 1-1, leaving the second half poised for an exciting conclusion.
The second half commenced with Thorn 2011 showing their attacking intent, and it paid off quickly. Gus Piper scored a stunning goal in the 47th minute, putting Thorn 2-1 ahead. Just four minutes later, Piper added to his tally, converting a penalty in the 51st minute after a foul in the box, extending Thorn's lead to 3-1.
As the match wore on, tensions rose, and Cole Findlater received a yellow card in the 63rd minute for a late challenge. The situation escalated further when Findlater was shown a red card just four minutes later, leaving Thorn 2011 with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Thorn held firm, and Aidan O'Malley was introduced to replace Dylan Crombie in the 67th minute to bolster the defence.
In the 65th minute, Kian Kelly came on for Leon Bradley, adding fresh legs to the midfield as Thorn sought to maintain their lead. The home side managed to see out the remainder of the match, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline.
Liam Curivan's performance in goal was instrumental in securing the victory, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. His crucial saves and commanding presence helped to keep St Cadocs at bay, ensuring Thorn 2011's triumph in this league encounter.
