Thwaites defeated in Smash and Grab Raid!

Thwaites FC were defeated 2-0 yesterday against Craven VII in a furious
encounter. The brewery team bombarded the Craven goal but could not find a
way past the Craven keeper. The whole team played well and they completely
dominated the game. However, Craven took the lead mid way through the first
half with a penalty after defender Damian Tabbinor encrouached into his own
box. Despite this little error Tabbinor put in a faultless display.

In the second half tempers flared as Craven unbeliveably doubled their lead
with a neat finish. However keeper Martin Slater could have done better.
Craven had a player dismissed after a dangerous foul which infuriated the
Thwaites team. Then a Craven centre back and midfielder Carl Elmer were
involved in a scuffle which led to both players being dismissed by referee
Ibby Mulla. Simon Tipton, Dominic Southworth and Jamie Hopwood all went
close for Thwaites but could not find the back of the net. Hopwood was the
fulcrum in the centre of midfield and his performance will have delighted
manager Elmer after a poor showing last week.

The defeat means Thwaites slip to 7th in the league, still 1 point clear of
their bitter rivals Craven. However their championship charge appears to be
in tatters and are now looking more likely to be involved in a relegation
dog fight. The brewery team take on Refrigeration giants Acme next Sunday
and will be looking to erase memories of this defeat.

Match Ratings

Slater 8 - Pulled off some good saves.However the Craven keeper was busier.
Tabbinor 9 - Despite concending a penalty he put in another strong
performance.
Elmer 8 - A good display from the central midfielder, however a red card
for violent conduct marred his overall performance
Tormay 7 - Average
Hopwood 9 - Excellent passing, closed his opponents down again and again.
Lacked support at times.
Tipton 9 - Weaved throught the Craven midfield on several occasions.
Sometimes kept hold of the ball too long.
Southworth 8 - Played well; unlucky not to have scored after working hard in
his lone strikers role.