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An early cup exit for Villa as they lost a very tight match, Thornton were very much up for the game while too many Villa players produced below par performances.

The game was always going to be close as matches between these two sides generally are. The first chance fell to Villa after five minutes when following a free kick Matt Conway picked up the ball and shot just wide of the post. Thornton responded two minutes later with a shot past the post following a break down the right.

Both sides were producing half chances as the home side attacked with pace, while Villa at this point in the game were playing the more controlled football. On twenty minutes Sam Shone tested the keeper with a free kick.
The home side came close ten minutes later when Shaun Gibbs was forced to save with his feet following a through ball. With thirty six minutes played Villa won a free kick on the right, Sam Shone took the kick and James O'Loughlin headed past the post. With a minute of the half remaining Thornton were awarded a free kick and Shaun Gibbs was forced into producing another fine save.

This was the sort of match were the first team to score would probably win the game. With a minute of the second half played Thornton were awarded a dubious penalty which was open to interpretation, either a high foot or a low head, the referee chose the former. Thornton duly scored from the spot and set about defending in numbers to protect their lead.

It was now down to the visitors to try and chase the game, Martin Whewell had a shot blocked for a corner as Villa pressed for an equaliser and the home side attacked on the break. This worked well for them after fifty five minutes as they caught out the Villa defence. Shaun Gibbs caught the trailing foot of a Thornton forward as he tried to go around him. This time Thornton were not so lucky as Shaun Gibbs produced a great save turning the penalty onto the post.

The remainder of the game followed the same pattern with the home side content to protect their one goal advantage. With ten minutes remaining Villa came close as James O'Loughlin saw his shot saved by the keeper. John Salisbury also came close with a late effort. On the day Thornton deserved the win they worked hard to achieve, for Villa it was a performance to reflect upon.

Team - Gibbs, McAlister, O'Loughlin, Crombie, Winstanley, Peralta, (Pillay ) M.Conway, Salisbury, Whewell,( Swift ) Shone, ( Thompson ) Zverina.

Not used - Bradshaw