For reasons outside of our control, it felt the eyes of the league were looking at this game.

Therefore, it was a credit to both sides who put on a hard fought battle where Ellistown came out deserved 2-0 winners.

Thurnby are a physical side who can play football and it took time for Ellistown to get into the game and during the 1st half were dependent on a man of the match performance from keeper Keenan Taiby to keep them in it.

That said, Josh Anderson had enough chances to give Ellistown the lead. Those present were witnessing a potential smash and grab performance from the away side.

Urged on by the visiting supporters, as the 1st half wore on, Town gradually got a foothold into the game and worked out the way through Thurnby would be the old fashioned ball over the top and give Own Brader and Aaron Windram license to run at the full-backs.

Ellistown made the smash and grab breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when a ball over the top fell into the path of Josh Anderson who with a sway to the left and sway to the right left the defender in no-mans land and fired home.

TR 0-1 EFC 45 mins and HT

You sensed with no pre-season behind them due to lockdown, Thurnby may struggle to keep up the pace of the 1st half and so it proved as Town took control straight from the kick off. Yes, Thurnby threaten from set pieces and that's something Town need to work on as we give away to many dangerous set-pieces but with a full pre-season where the fitter team.

You also sensed that Thurby were getting frustrated as they started to get pinned back and unfortunately that frustration resulted in a red card for Shaun Barber for an off the floor two footed challenge that give the ref no choice but to show a red card.

The only surprise was it took Ellistown until the 77th minute to make the game self when a goalkeeper parry after a barn storming run and shot from Aaron Windram allowed River Hardy to tap home.

TR 0-2 EFC 77 mins

With Town now pinging the ball around, the only question was how many we would score and only Josh Anderson and Aaron Windram know how they both missed from 5 yards out.

To play, you need a rock solid defense and tonight we had one and well done Keenan Tailby, Ashley Riddell, George Worley, Ben Worrell and Dec Grewcock who were marshalled in midfield by Ollie Coe and Chris Nettle.

The final 10 minutes saw a raft of substitutions as Town were content to play for the final whistle which they did without any problems.

TR 0-2 EFC FT

Summary

Well done lads, this was a perfect performance against a good side who once they have games under their belt will be winning more games alosing.

Many thanks to the Thurnby Committee and back-room staff for making us feel welcome and it's always a pleasure to catch up with Pat.

For Town, our attention turns to Saturday's home game v Hathern where 3 points could see us top the table.