With Ben Rhydding only fielding 1 of its 3 development teams this week, it appeared they piled all their best players into 1 squad, meaning that Thirsk Development had its first genuine competitive match of the season.
Thirsk started brightly with good possession high up the pitch providing a series of half chances for Monty and Evelyn, but the stand in adult keeper was up to her task. Kiki was running central midfield effectively, with plenty of space on the right for Mary / Freddie (defence) and Shona (midfield). However, BR started to come into the game more, frequently breaking forward in numbers and finally giving the Thirsk keeper Oliver some meaningful work, positioning himself well to force shots wide and telling his defence about unmarked players. Although there was good work at the back overall, BR did take the lead just before half time.
Thirsk reorganised a little at the break, with Steve stepping into the fray, proving that his knee is now available for 2 matches a day. This provided some longer balls direct to Brody and Sam, but still a goal was proving elusive until midway through the second half. From the sideline it looked like a goal mouth melee, so I cannot actually report the scorer. An optician's appointment has been booked. Plenty of energy throughout the rest of the game from Sam, Natasha and Harry G, but despite increasing pressure, Thirsk were unable to find a winner.
Final score 1-1