The Year 10 boys football team kicked off their season on Wedensday 21st September when they travelled to South Bromsgrove School in the English Schools FA Cup. This is a National competition which gives pupils a great opportunity to travel and play schools outside of the Dudley Borough.
Thorns lined up with Matt Hall in goal, Liam Willetts left back, Tristan Champ centre back, Matt Booth centre back, Brad Mitchell right back. The new look midfield featured Josh Thompson stepping up an age group to play on the left side while Grant Blakeway and Shane Grainger were the centre midfield generals. Calum Pearson who had to be collected from college on the way to the game played on the right and completed the midfield four. Up front James Thompson and Liam Tolley provided the attacking threat.
The game itself started brightly with both teams playing some very attractive attacking football. Thorns tested the Bromsgrove keeper early on when James Thompson raced clear but the keeper blocked the shot with his feet. From the resulting corner Grainger headed over. At the other end Matt Hall who is once again playing for the year 10 team despite being a year 9 pupil showed brilliant reflexes to turn away a fierce shot to his right.
It was Thorns who made the breakthrough and took the lead after 15 mintues when Grainger delicately spun the ball through two defenders then James Thompson delightly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper. Following the goal Thorns grew in confidence and began to pass the ball well. It was not long after and no surprise when Thorns doubled their lead when Grainger beautifuly slid a through ball past the defence to Thompson who finished first time with a finesse shot into the bottom right hand corner.
Thorns were now rampant and were attacking with flair when a Bromsgrove counter attack left Thorns exposed at the back. The normally dependable Matt Booth was caught a little by surprise and was left with little choice but to pull back the advancing striker to concede a free kick in a dangerous position. Booth was fortunate as Champ had made up considerable ground to get back and cover and so Booth escaped with a yellow card. The resulting free kick sailed harmlessly over Hall's bar.
Thorns prepare to face a free kick following Booth's caution for a rugby tackle.
Following the let off Thorns continued to push forward and put pressure on the Bromsgrove defence with Grainger being a constant threat. Josh Thompson linked up fantastically with his brother and Grainger. Between them they created lots of opportunites. It was from one such move that James Thompson picked out Grainger with an inch perfect pass. Grainger feinted outside before cutting inside and firing an unstoppable shot low into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Thorns now had what appeared to be a unsurmountable lead but that feeling didn't last for long as Bromsgrove netted just before halft time with a well taken goal.
Half Time - Thorns 3 Bromsgrove 1
The second half would always prove to be more difficult as Thorns were now kicking into the wind. Despite that they played some very good counter attacking football and Liam Tolley was unlucky not to score after his silky skills left the Bromsgrove defence chasing shaddows. Bromsgrove didn't give up however and continued to press for a goal. When they were awarded a free kick just inside the Thorns half Mr Healy urged the defenders to hold the line and defend the 18yard box. However the back line dropped deep and played the Bromsgrove attackers onside. The ball fell to one of them who fired off a shot. Matt Hall managed to save the initial shot but could do little as Billingham rammed home the rebound to make the score 3-2. Bromsgrove continued to press for the equaliser but Thorns defended really well. Liam Willetts deserves a special mention for a great covering tackle and a very good over all performance.
Brace Brothers 2 x 2= 4
Thorns did not panic despite Bromsgrove pulling to within a goal and instead they went on to produce the attacking move of the game. Josh Thompson linked up exceptionally well with his brother James down the left. A fantastic dummy by Josh which was bought by the Bromsgrove defenders allowed James' pass to reach Grainger. What happened next was in little doubt as the unstoppable Grainger powered his way into the Bromsgrove penalty area before drilling a low rocket of a shot into the bottom left corner of the net. With the result secured, Thorns played out the remaining stoppage time to claim a well deserved victory.
The Midfield Enforcer looks like he means business this year.
Following the game Mr Healy said that he was extremely proud of the team who had battled hard to win a place in the next round of the cup. He said 'I am very pleased with the level of effort shown by all my players this evening but I think a special mention for our two debutants is in order. Josh Thompson played with a confidence and swagger of a 15 year old and Tristan Champ looked solid at the back'
The victory means that Thorns now face Bishop Challoner from Birmingham in the next round. The game will be played at home so your support would be greatly appreciated. Check on the website for future details.
Man of the match awarded by Mr Healy is Shane Grainger who was a dominant force in midfield and bagged a brace. This report was written by
Grant Blakeway.
