Stockton Thunder 0–3 Hillmorton Lions

Full-time: 0–3

Line-up: Zack, Jack, William, Frederick, Harry, Austin, Ben, Ethan, Mason

Substitutes: Cai, Yaz, Archie

Thunder were slow out of the blocks and found themselves behind early on when a through ball caught the defence out, allowing Hillmorton to smartly finish into the bottom corner. Thunder struggled to get a foothold in the game during the opening stages, showing too much passivity without the ball and allowing the opposition too much time and space to play.

Harry worked hard to release Mason in behind down the left-hand side on a number of occasions, but ball retention proved difficult and the defence were forced to absorb considerable pressure. Jack made some strong tackles and clearances, showing a real willingness to engage the opposition. Fred also had a busy afternoon, having to deal with a dangerous Hillmorton right winger who caused problems throughout. He worked hard to slow him down, with Ethan providing some valuable support defensively.

Thunder's best moment of the first half came midway through when Mason linked the play nicely down the right to win a free-kick. Unfortunately, Ethan's effort went just wide of the target.

Hillmorton extended their lead when a corner was only partially cleared, before a mishit cross just before half-time dropped cruelly into the top corner to make it 3-0.

The second half was a completely different story. Thunder showed much more fight, pressing with real purpose and refusing to give Hillmorton any time on the ball. They soon began to dominate possession and create chances.

Ben went close at the back post following a dangerous corner, while Archie produced a fantastic volley which was desperately unlucky to come back off the woodwork. Austin, Cai and Mason all forced saves from the Hillmorton goalkeeper, while William almost converted from another corner. Thunder continued to create opportunities throughout the half and deserved a goal for their efforts.

At the other end, Hillmorton created very little. Zack comfortably dealt with anything that made its way through, while Yaz kept the right flank relatively quiet with some intelligent defending.

Sadly, the damage had been done in the first half. Despite a much-improved second-half performance, Thunder were unable to find a way back into the game.

There were plenty of positives to take from the second half, particularly the improved intensity, pressing and attacking intent. The challenge now is to produce that level of performance from the opening whistle.

CPOTM – Archie

Archie played on the front foot in the second half, helping the team win the ball back quickly and drive forward at the opposition. He took up some excellent positions to attack crosses and was extremely unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet after his superb volley came back off the woodwork.

PPOTM – Ethan

Ethan caused real problems down the right flank, particularly in the second half. He delivered some excellent crosses and produced some fierce efforts on goal. Unfortunately, a combination of good goalkeeping, the woodwork and a little bad luck meant the ball just wouldn't cross the line!

Thanks to our sponsors @Crompton & Co Chartered Accountants @cornercottagebakery @Clippers For Men Barbers Southam

A game of two halves for Stockton Thunder against Hillmorton Lions. A difficult first half saw Thunder trail 3-0 at the break, but a much-improved second-half performance brought plenty of pressure and chances. Archie struck the woodwork with a superb volley, while several others went close. Plenty of positives to take from a battling second half!

CPOTM: Archie PPOTM: Ethan

Thanks to our sponsors @Crompton & Co Chartered Accountants @cornercottagebakery @Clippers For Men Barbers Southam