Thirsk Men’s 1st XI suffered a heavy defeat to Chapeltown at the weekend. They conceded four goals in the first half despite some good saves by goalkeeper Jeff Lewis. Thirsk started the second half much brighter and held the score for twenty minutes as well as creating some changes through Gardiner and Ward. Chapeltown struck again as Thirsk tired to leave the score 7-0 by the close.

Thirsk Men’s 1st XI faced a home game against Ben Rhydding 3′s on Saturday 3rd December. They started brightly taking an early lead through a goal by Paul Doyle. Ben Rhydding then stepped up scoring two before half time. Thirsk again started the second half well and were unlucky to fall 3-2 behind when a scuffed shot beat goalie Jeff Lewis who was solid in the Thirsk goal. They pulled it back to 3-2 thanks to a goal by Phil Hughes but alas a defensive error allowed Rhydding an easy opportunity to score – the game finishing with a 4-2 win for Ben Rhydding.

Thirsk Mens 1st Team suffered another defeat on 19th November to a strong Slazengers side. Thirsk started well and took the lead through Andrew Carney. Slazengers equalised before Thirsk pulled ahead again this time through Paul Doyle. Two quick Slazenger goals meant an even first half finished with Slazengers leading 3-2. The second half was a much tougher affair for Thirsk and under constant pressure for 20 minutes they conceded another four goals to their one scored in favour through an excellent Johnny Partenheimer flick.

Thirsk Men’s first team played away against Leeds and soon saw themselves fall behind.  A well taken goal by Paul Doyle saw Thirsk pull one back although half time saw Leeds 4-1 ahead.  Thirsk played better in the second half and had some chances.   They tired as the game went on and Leeds scored 3 more to end in a heavy 7-1 defeat for Thirsk.

Thirsk Mens first’s took a surprising lead through Andrew Carney against league leaders Old Malton and held up until half time.  Following the break Old Malton took control and despite Thirsk hitting the post scored four unanswered goals.  A brave performance from Thirsk despite a 4-1 defeat.

Thirsk Men’s 1st XI travelled to play Brigg and the game ended 0-0 with both teams having a few chances. Joe Dickenson in the Thirsk goal made several good stops and at the other end Thirsk went close through Carney and Scaling. A draw and a much better team performance was a good result for Thirsk.

Thirsk Men’s 1st XI lost at home to Lincoln 2-4. Thirsk were rusty in the first half and despite having much of the possession went quickly behind to a couple of quick breaks and a converted short-corner. They fought back towards the end of the half and scored a good goal through Jack Moody to go in 1-3 down. Thirsk battled better in the second half – adding another through Nathan Harding but couldn’t close the gap any further.

Thirsk men’s firsts made their status in division 2 all but safe again for another season after a well deserved 2-0 win against visitors Brigg. Thirsk, as in the previous 3 games, started brightly, putting Brigg to the sword early. Good runs down the right by Luke Carey caused problems for the visiting side, his balls releasing Andy Carney on numerous occasions. Ben Scaling again had another faultless games making several runs to support the midfield from deep and adding to the attack. Thirsk rarely looked troubles with the central partnership of Nick Lane and Johnno Sharman snuffing out the Brigg forwards whenever they sort to break. Nick Gardner starting in central midfield was proving useful in both offensive and defensive roles and formed a excellent partnership with Phil Hughes. It was from a well worked move in central midfield that Pete Harding was released down the left midway through the first half. His powerful run took him 50 yards and past 2 Brigg players. As he drove into the area the defence parted and let him shoot low into the far corner giving Thirsk the lead. This was doubled a few minutes later when Sam Gardner won a short corner after some quick thinking when he took a freehit outside the D and drew a foul. Paul Doyle scored his 4th of the season after jinxing past the on-rushing defence and lifted the ball past the flailing keeper. The second half was a scrappier affair with Brigg seeking to get themselves back into the game. Despite losing their smooth passing game Thirsk still managed to create the better chances and although they had to defend a series of short corners Andy Loftus was rarely tested and Thirsk never looked like conceding. With Rotherham now having to win every game remaining to jump above Thirsk it looks like another season of hockey in division 2 beckons.

Paul Doyle produced a man of the match performance to gain Thirsk firsts 3 more points and move them yet further up the table away from the relegation zone. Thirsk started brightly, putting Sheffield Hallam to the sword, creating multiple chances. Sam Gardner had a couple of chances when he found space in the area to shoot but was well closed down by the keeper. As the pressure built Nathan Harding was able to force the home side into an error and won a short corner. Paul Doyle managed to open his account for the season with a well struck shot from the top of the D. Thirsk continued to apply the pressure but some how Sheffield Hallam managed to pull level despite being the second best side. Thirsk however struck back again, Doyle adding a second after a thrusting run by Phil Hughes engineered a 3 v 2 situation. Doyle’s expertly struck reverse stick shot evaded the keeper giving Thirsk a deserved half time lead. Sheffield Hallam started the 2nd half brightly, looking to pull a goal back and whilst Thirsk held out for 20 minutes again a slack piece of defending put the result in doubt. Thirsk however still looked the better team, and pushing forward they managed again to gain another short corner. After the initial shot was blocked Dave Pickford managed to hit the post. The rebound fell to Paul Doyle and he struck the ball into the roof of the net, scoring the first hat-trick for the first team this year. Thirsk are now 6 points clear of the relegation places, and with 3 matches left to play their continued survival in division 2 looks almost safe for another season. Result Sheffield Hallam 2-3 Thirsk.

Thirsk men’s firsts travelled to Rotherham this week for a relegation 6 pointer against their fellow strugglers in the league. Thirsk started brightly, hemming Rotherham in their own 25 by picking up any defensive clearances that came their way. Thirsk however were possibly trying to hard to force the opening and when a pass was intercepted in their own D Rotherham broke swiftly down the right. The Thirsk defence was outnumbered and Andy Loftus was helpless to prevent the striker slotting home. In the second half Thirsk continued to press with Ben Scaling making some impressive runs down the right. Unfortunately a well executed short corner doubled the Rotherham lead. Thirsk regained the ascendancy in play and forced one back when good work between Pete Harding and Phil Hughes set up Andy Carney. Thirsk pressed high in search of a equaliser and were always exposed to the break. One such break produced another short corner which yet again Rotherham converted. Result Thirsk 1  Rotherham 3. Thirsk are away to Sheffield Hallam next week, the leagues bottom club, and will be hoping their can reverse their change in fortune.