Girls u10s

THIRSK U10 girls travelled to Weetwood to contest the Yorkshire minis tournament having come runners up to York in the previous round.

The weather was foul throughout but despite this the girls got their game faces on, albeit with a couple of extra base layers compared to normal, and headed out there with high hopes.

The opening game against Leeds was a scrappy but one sided affair, with Thirsk having the majority of the attacking play, but they were unable to convert any off it and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

The second match against Kingston-Upon-Hull saw Thirsk revert to their normal shape and play with much more positional discipline.

Lexi Ramshey scored all 3-0 goals as Thirsk ran out easy winners.

The final group game saw Thirsk take on Rotherham.

A good ball down the line by Amy Hughes early in the game released Lexi who opened the scoring.

Annabelle Mindenhall made it 2-0 after turning in a well worked short corner. Although Thirsk continued to press and had countless other chances they were able to add to the score, but this was enough to top the group and take them into the semi finals. A tense match against Ben Rhydding was to follow. Whilst Thirsk continued to have the majority of the chances the defense was being made to work harder than previous matches; Alice Dunkley and Yolanda Secouet both played like rocks at the back and kept Ben Rhydding from ever really threatening the Thirsk goal. As the match finished 0-0 we headed to penalty flicks. Ben Rhydding scored with their first effort but Lexi Ramshey brought us level despite her effort being close to the keeper and just squeezing through her legs. Ben Rhydding then opened the door for Thirsk by hitting the post, before Phoebe Evan stepped up to confidentially slot it into the corner to give Thirsk a 2-1 lead. With Ben Ryhdding needing to score to keep their hopes alive Tilly Haigh excelled herself by diving the correct way and pushing the final stroke round the post to put Thirsk in the final. The final match was a repeat of the opening game with Leeds having vanquished York in the other semi. This time however Thirsk made their early pressure pay off with Lexi scoring her 5th for the day in a well worked move, with passing interplay between Amy and Phoebe in the midfield working the ball forward well in the build-up. Leeds responded but Thirsk continued to hold fast, Masie Binks working hard in the midfield to break up the Leeds attacks before they developed too far. Annabell and Alice continued to marshal the defence resolutely. Whilst the final game was a tight affair Thirsk ran out worthy winners, and as Yorkshire U10 champions will now progress to the North Finals taking place in April.

Men’s 3rds

THIRSK travelled to play 3rd placed York with a squad of 15. From the start, it was clear that the opposition were a much stiffer challenge than in recent weeks, denying Thirsk time on the ball and competing hard for every loose ball.

Thirsk's defence were given a tough work out in open play and also at a series of short corners, but Sam Ross Russell in goal was a match for every attack, getting away from his line to smother many shots, and recovering from a first dive to be ready for the second shot. Thirsk survived until half time, when they slightly reorganised, dropping one of the attackers to provide more depth in midfield. The second half was more evenly balanced, as York tired and Thirsk rotated. Thirsk were able to find gaps in the York cover more effectively through Ian Foxley, Sam Kelly and Jeremy Barker in midfield, but the team were unable to take either of their chances.

Final score 0-0

Man of the Match: Sam Ross Russell

Ladies 2nds

THIS week Thirsk 2nds played their last home game of the season against Doncaster 3rds who were a couple of places above them in the table.

The game started evenly with chances at either end but the keepers for both teams were on form and cleared any danger. Thirsk eventually got their passing game going with good link up play from one side of the pitch to the other. The ball fell to Fern at the top of the D who hit the ball in to Hannah in front of goal. After a scramble the ball beat the Doncaster goalkeeper and Hannah was there to touch the ball into the net. When the Doncaster team did trouble the Thirsk defence Chelsea in goal kept Thirsk in the lead when one on one with the Doncaster forward. The half time score was 1-0 to Thirsk. Thirsk came out for the second half to try and increase their lead and take control of the game. Marnie made some runs down the right, linking with Georgie and Yaz. When the ball was cleared it fell to Grace and Jess who started the next attack. Thirsk increased their lead when Yaz got the ball on the right and drove into the D, finishing with a good shot at goal. In the closing minutes of the game the umpires decided a few tackles were worthy of green cards, a surprise after a good-natured game from both teams. Georgie and Naomi's sin bins left Thirsk with nine players on the pitch but Thirsk were not troubled and the game finished 2-0 to Thirsk. Player of the match was awarded to Grace for her great runs and tackling in the middle of the pitch (and demolishing all the pizza after the match!)