Thornaby 1, Guisborough Town 0 (Ebac Northern League – First Division)

GUISBOROUGH Town’s final league game of the league at derby rivals Thornaby ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat as the Priorymen just couldn’t find a way past the home ‘keeper to end the season on a high note.

Thornaby got the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute, when a pin-point pass beat the Priorymen’s defence and the ball found ex-Guisborough player Craig Hutchinson who got his shot away. Guisborough ‘keeper Robert Dean saved brilliantly, but Hutchinson was free for the rebound which he put calmly into the net.

For the first ten minutes of the second half neither side could gain a foothold, but in the 59th minute a Guisborough attack seemed to inspire the team for the rest of the game when Jason Blackburn's first-time strike was blocked on the line by a Thornaby.

A rejuvenated Guisborough Town attacked well, but were not able to find the goal, and Thornaby's defensive organisation protected their slender lead as they completed a league double over the Priorymen.

Guisborough manager Steve Bell said: "I thought we gave Thornaby far too much respect in the first half and didn’t support our forwards enough. I also thought we lacked energy in the middle of the pitch. I told the lads at half-time that there were no excuses and that even if they were carrying a knock or struggling with illness they needed to run more. In the second half we were the better side – simple as that."

Now the league season is over, Guisborough can look forward to the North Riding Senior Cup Final against Scarborough Athletic at York City’s ground on Wednesday, May 4 (7.45pm). Park and ride will be available in York for those wishing to travel to the game by car. Tickets will be £8, £4 for concessions. Guisborough will be in their away kit.