Struggling Town suffer two defeats in a week

On saturday they went down 3-0 away to Northallerton, whilst in midweek they lost 0-2 at home to Thornaby.

The defeats leave Town in 18th position in Northern League Division 2, with 23 points from their 29 games.

NORTHALLERTON 3

ALNWICK TOWN 0

Alnwick made the trip down to North Yorkshire on Saturday to face Northallerton, but returned empty-handed after a 3-0 defeat.

The home goalscorers were Danny Mac andAarran Ramsbottom, who netted twice.

ALNWICK TOWN 0

THORNABY 2

Alnwick were forced into a pre-match change due to illness to full back Kieran Hogg, allowing his brother Stephen a starting place in midfield. Ross Straughan and Josh Hay also came into the starting eleven, hoping to get Alnwick a first home win since the end of September.

It was a positive start from both sides, with chances being created at both ends.

Thomas Butler had Alnwick’s first effort, his long range effort saved by Beblowski.

A flowing move then almost put Alnwick in front, with Baker’s through ball just being mis-controlled by Gair in the box.

Callum Brooks, setting the tone for the night, pulled off a fantastic save in the 13th minute at full stretch to deny Bligh the opening goal for the visitors.

It was end to end, and Alnwick’s three best chances of the half came within 10 minutes of each other.

Macpherson headed just over from a Gair cross, then two fizzing efforts from Lewis Robson and Thomas Butler flew just over the bar.

Before half time, Thornaby went closer still. First of all Joseph headed inches wide from a corner, and then Walker curled an effort off the cross bar.

Lewis Robson had the last chance of the half, volleying over from a Hay cross. A positive 45 minutes from both sides going into the break but it remained 0-0.

Into the second half, and the old problems came back to haunt the home side.

An Alnwick throw was intercepted, and Rocky Andrews found space around 25 yards out to drill in to the bottom corner, putting the visitors 0-1 in front.

Alnwick almost responded immediately. A counter attack and through ball saw Stephen Hogg down the wing. His cross came off the front of the cross bar, and the follow up was well saved.

Fewer chances were created in the second half, with Jamie Dixon (on for Butler at half-time), shooting just wide with Alnwick’s best chance.

The game was sealed for the visitors in the 80th minute, when a tussle in the box resulted in Walker being brought down by Straughan.

A penalty was awarded, and Callum Brooks got his fingertips to the ball, which was well struck, but not enough to keep it out.

Jackson had a late header go just wide of the post, as Alnwick fell to their 12th defeat in 13 games.

There were some positives to be taken from the game, with chances being created, and for those watching, clearly more belief amongst the players that they can get themselves out of trouble this season.