10/09/2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW: Thornaby FC look to bounce back and build on positive league starts
Thornaby FC’s men’s and women’s sides are looking forward to returning to league action this weekend with big ambitions on both fronts.
Thornaby’s men exited the FA Cup last Saturday against a strong Lower Breck side, who claimed a 5-1 victory on Merseyside. Joe Pickett’s goal wasn't enough to turn things around as the home side went on to win convincingly.
However, the Blue Lamps don't want to dwell on that cup exit for too long, given their highly encouraging start to the new Ebac Northern League Division One season.
The hope now is to replicate the sort of dazzling display that earned a 4-0 win over Marske on September 1, played in front of a fantastic crowd of 717 at Teesdale Park.
Thornaby head to Crook Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) knowing the hosts have been formidable on their own turf, with all three of their wins this season coming at home.
Thornaby are chasing a second away league win of the campaign - a victory that could lift them right into the play-off picture.
Co-boss Craig Skelton said: "It was incredibly frustrating to go out of the FA Cup last week, but we can't let that overshadow what has been a brilliant start to our league campaign.
“We showed exactly what this squad is capable of in that commanding win over Marske. The league form is strong, there's a real buzz around the dressing room right now, and the lads are excited to get back out there on Saturday and prove we can mix it at the top end of the table."
Thornaby Women travel to Bradford City on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) for a National League Division One North game.
Both teams sit on six points from their opening three league fixtures, highlighting Thornaby's impressive adaptation following their promotion from the North East Regional Women’s League Premier last season along with the Bantams.
The squad is looking to channel the same energy that saw them beat Chester-le-Street Town at Teesdale Park on August 30.
Since that victory, Thornaby suffered a defeat in the Women’s National League Cup on the road at Hull City, making this weekend’s return to league action all the more important.
Manager Curtis Collantine, whose side faces a further trip to York City next week before finally returning to home soil on September 27 in the cup, said: "It’s vital we bounce straight back to winning ways this Sunday and continue the positive start we've made in the league.
“Sitting mid-table after just a few matches at this higher level is a testament to the hard work the players have put in.
“The cup result at Hull was a tough lesson, but our focus is fully on Bradford.
“It was devastating to lose that game after dominating the majority of the game, but I am proud of the performance and it’s time to show some consistency.
“We want to show our resilience, keep putting points on the board and prove we belong at this level."