Town Progress To Next Round Of FA Cup

The visitors made the 200 mile round trip, coming all the way from South Gloucestershire to compete in the competition for the first time.
Town looked to build on a draw at Arlesey on Tuesday evening and had some faces back in the squad that were more than welcome: McKenzie-Lyle, Bryant, Silford, Murphy, Foulger, Osborne, Webb, Fredericks, Murrell, Towell, Campbell. With the likes of McClelland and Adams also returning to the squad.
A notable mention to the squad was the inclusion of 17-year old, Under 18s captain, Luke Pyman. The Leighton born and bred defender made his way into his first ever competitive match day squad for the Town!
The game got underway and immediately Town set out with intent and they soon had a breakthrough, two efforts by Town were cleared off the line by Thornbury in quick succession and they managed to get the ball out of the box, but only as far as Bryant, who took one touch keeping the ball in the air and volleyed home spectacularly into the bottom right corner! A beautiful finish from the Town full-back!
With Bryant’s goal setting the tone, Town pressed on to try to put another past the Visitors, Danny Webb went close after being played through, but the goalkeeper got out well to make a brave save at Webb’s feet.
With Town playing some magnificent football, a second goal was inevitable and it came from a free-kick on the edge of the area! Webb set his sights on the far right corner and whipped it round the wall, low and hard into the bottom corner! 2-0 inside 20 minutes!
With the opposition struggling to cope with Town’s movement and sheer pace when going forward, chances came by the truck-load.
James Towell was next to go close after Murrell teed him up inside the box with a good reverse pass, but Towell’s effort was batted away by the keeper.
Towell and Fredericks continued to split the opposition apart with their passes and changes of pace, creating acres of space on the Bell Close turf.
With the opposition yet to register a shot on McKenzie-Lyle’s goal, Town went about getting a third just before half-time.
A low cross to the front post was met by the foot of Ashton Campbell, who directed it into the bottom corner! Campbell opening his account for Town in his first competitive appearance for the Club.
Thornbury then did finally register a chance, which came in the form of a header that McKenzie-Lyle had to tip around his post.
The teams then went in for half-time, with Town leading 3-0.
The second half got underway at the same tempo as the first and Town nearly stretched the lead to 4. Webb got in behind the Thornbury defence once again, using his electric pace. His drive at goal was saved well though, by the legs of Thornbury’s keeper.
Town’s first change of the game came just a couple of minutes into the half. Brian Foulger made way for the debut of Luke Pyman! A very proud moment for Pyman &,his family.
With the sun now shining, Town managed to keep it raining. Raining chances that is. Campbell was next to have a shot saved by the goalkeeper, this time a low drive at the near post.
With the tie 60 minutes old, Pyman earned himself his first ever yellow card. A challenge judged by the referee to be worthy of a card, which probably wasn’t even a foul.
The Visitors then began to get going, trying their luck from range and seeing it flash just over the bar.
Aaron Murrell nearly opened his account for the season after a smart turn and shot, but it whistled just wide of the post.
On his first appearance back in a Town shirt, James Towell was replaced by Ross Adams.
Thornbury then had their best chance of the game so far. Lancastle broke away from the Town defence after a mis-communication and nearly lobbed McKenzie-Lyle, but his effort bounced the wrong side of the post.
Aaron Murrell then made way for the debut of Archie McClelland.
Tom Silford looked to add to his tally for the season, but his free-kick hit the side-netting.
With 80 minutes on the clock, Thornbury won themselves a penalty. Some great wide play from their winger, saw him fouled inside the area by Silford and the referee had no option but to point to the spot.
Craig Lancastle stepped up and slotted it straight down the middle, scoring Thronbury’s first ever FA Cup goal! One for the history books!
With the wind now in Thornbury’s sails, Town decided to go through the gears once more and put the game to bed.
Luke Pyman drove out of defence well, finding Adams with a pass, who then fed Fredericks. Fredericks shimmied inside and unleashed a curling effort into the far left corner! A fantastic strike from Town’s 8, who played superbly all game!
There could’ve even been time for one more, but Archie McClelland couldn’t direct a free header from a matter of years out on target and it went just over the bar!
The referee then blew for full-time and the Town progress into the Preliminary Round, where they will face Thame United at the ASM Stadium, on Saturday the 24th of August!
Congratulations to Thornbury for making it into the FA Cup for the first ever time! Despite the score-line we hope you enjoyed your day.
A brilliant performance from Town however, who showed their class and the Division advantage throughout the game!
Next up, is a trip to Harpenden Town on Saturday, a 15:00 Kick Off.
Thank you for your support on Saturday, we hope you can join us in Harpenden this weekend!
Report by
Kieran Carvell