Thornaby vs Birtley Town

Recap

HISTORIC SEMI FINAL AWAITS AS BRILLIANT BIRTLEY PUT FOUR PAST THORNABY

AN INCREDIBLE FIRST HALF PERFORMANCE PUT THE HOOPS FOUR TO THE GOOD WITHIN HALF AN HOUR

For the first time in our history, Birtley have qualified for the Semi-Finals of the Brooks Mileson League Cup. A clinical first half performance gave the Hoops a big lead and despite having chances to score more in the second period, they had already done more than enough to book their place in the final four. 

It was the hosts who made the quicker start with Alfie Gordon forced into an early save to deny Dale Milburn. However, in front of a strong away following, the Hoops quickly started to dominate. With six minutes gone Liam Thear and then Matty Ward both had great chances to score as the ball bobbled around the six yard box but Thornaby managed to clear. Milburn had another half-chance for the hosts as he was through on the right, but his attempted lob was easily claimed by Gordon. 

On the eleventh minute, Birtley took the lead. The ball fell to James Proctor on the left side of the box ten yards out. He placed his side footed shot and having gone through at least two pairs of legs, the home keeper was rooted to the spot as the ball rolled into the bottom right corner. His fourth in the last five days following his hattrick at the weekend. Two minutes later, Liam Thear hustled to get in front of the defender and as he moved toward the six yard box was brought down. Penalty kick said the referee and a yellow card for Aaron Bell for his challenge. Just like the league game at Thornaby, it was Joe Hailes’ responsibility to make it two for the Hoops and just like that game, he made no mistake to double Birtley’s lead within a quarter of an hour. Robert Bennett in the Thornaby goal did get a decent hand on it but couldn’t keep it out. 

Despite the strong start, those who had made the trip to Teesside in December were remembering that this exact scenario had occurred and the Hoops were unable to hold onto their two goal lead on that occasion. The game was far from over and Birtley continued to press forward. Thear again instrumental as he slid a ball across intended for Proctor but the defender got back well to cut it out. 

The Thornaby defence couldn’t hold out for long though as Dale Burrell came onto a great pass from Proctor to finish well past Bennett. On twenty-eight minutes three became four. Aaron Bell was off the field with a head knock so the hosts were temporarily down to ten men and the Hoops attack took full advantage. The ball fell for Reece Havelock-Brown twelve yards out and he added to the collection of clinical finishes to make it four. Bell was replaced by Max Booth in the aftermath.

Despite their lead, Birtley continued to flood forward and create chances. Thear’s effort deflected just wide and the resulting corner saw Burrell’s header blocked and then claimed by the keeper. Into added time and James Proctor hit the right post from twelve yards out after more excellent attacking play. A minute later he couldn’t connect properly with a volley after brilliant work from Reece Harrison. 

Some said the performance away at North Shields last Saturday was one of our best in years, and this certainly challenged it with a brilliant first half display. 

HT – Thornaby 0-4 Birtley Town

Two changes for the hosts at the break. Cutler and Coleman for Conway and Casson. The second half still had the Hoops on the front foot albeit not quite yielding the chances of the first period. Reece Harrison worked well down the left and found Matty Ward in the box. He took one touch before letting fly but it was just over. Two changes for Birtley around the hour mark with Dale Burrell being replaced by Owen Lancaster before Charlie Armin came on for Sam Hedley. 

Thornaby then forced a very good double stop from Alfie Gordon with one from the edge of the area before a close range rebound was also kept out by the Hoops shot-stopper. Reece Havelock-Brown went down with what appeared to be an issue with his knee and was replaced by Kaleb Young. Birtley then pounced on a poor kick from Bennett and Ward led a 4v3 break but the Hoops could only force a corner. The Hoops created a good opening down the left but the strike from Reece Harrison could only find the side netting despite some of the Birtley contingent cheering thinking it had snuck in. Nick Marley replaced Liam Thear for Birtley and Iyobosa came on for Parnaby for the hosts with twenty to go. 

With ten minutes left, an almighty goalmouth scramble with two separate players in green and white convinced they’d forced the ball over the line. However the linesman and referee disagreed and it stayed at nil-four. With their final change Ryan Hammer replaced Alfie Gordon in the Birtley net. He was immediately under pressure but the Thornaby man curled his effort just wide. 

FT – Thornaby 0-4 Birtley Town

A brilliant and historic win for Birtley and a huge achievement for all involved. We look forward to a Step 5 Cup Semi Final for the first time ever. 

And even better news: IT’S AT HOME!!! That’s right, the Hoops are set to host either Newcastle Blue Star or Newcastle University with the date TBC so keep an eye out on socials. An enormous match for the club and we need everyone down to support the boys so spread the word!!

Before all that though, we have our final league game of the season as we host Whitley Bay this Saturday. There is lots going on around the club with live entertainment from Anthony Morris after the game, our annual Birtley Town FC sponsors day. And best of all sunshine is forecast. 

Many thanks for the support as always. UP THE HOOPS!!!

BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP – INFORMATION

H2H vs THORNABY (at Thornaby)
P13 W2 D5 L6 GF16 GA29

Match Information:

Post Code: Teesdale Park, Thornaby, TS17 7JU

Admissions: Adults: £7, Concessions £4, U18’s £2