The Year 8 Boys football team travelled to Ellowes Hall for a Brierley Hill and Dudley Schools League fixture with a strong squad of 16 players. It was fantastic to see such a great response following a very disappointing result against High Arcal School just before half term. Right from the outset it was clear that Thorns were up against a very good Ellowes side but Reece Bayley and Alex Sheldon stood firm at the back with the help of Ross Swain, Joe Rogers and Dan Homer. The first fifteen minutes of the game saw Thorns pinned back in their own half and counter-attacking whenever possible with Callum Bunn who started the game as the lone striker. Numerous attacks were thwarted by a resilient Thorns defence and very hard working midfield consisting of Niall Smith, Jack Lee, Daniel Pritchard (Capt), Connor Grove and Jordan Hooper.

Despite Thorns' best efforts the deadlock was broken on 18 minutes when a well worked move down the right flank unlocked the Thorns' defence and resulted in a fine volley from 8 yards past the outstretched Swain in the Thorns goal. What followed next can only be described as a bit of a comedy goal as an intended pass was missed not only by the Ellowes Hall Striker but also the defender and keeper. The ball rolled slowly into the net and Thorns found themselves 2-0 down at half time not before Bunn had been replaced by Kasey Bayley because of injury.

Following a spirited team talk by Mr Healy the teams took the field for the second half with Thorns having the slight advantage of kicking down hill. Thorns were making a game of it and had a number of chances to get a goal but on each occasion the the Ellowes Hall keeper was equal to the effort. Dan Homer was particularly unlucky with a long range effort as was Daniel Pritchard who shot wide from 10 yards. Jack Lee was replaced by Sam Passey on the 40 minute mark. Ellowes made the game safe with a third goal midway through the half when following a Swain kick the defence failed to push out. Swain's kick was headed back towards his goal and and he was left with little chance as the striker slotted home. The game was played out with a number of players making appearances from the bench including Josh Thompson, Ben Cox and Stephan Priest. Despite some very good performances on the night including Reece Bayley and a hardworking display from Jordan Hooper the the Man of the Match award goes to Alex Sheldon for a composed and professional performance. The Year 8 team are in action next week against Summerhill School, check the schedule for further details.