Boro Have to Settle for A Point

Borough came into the game looking to put some valuable points on the board following last week’s 1–1 draw with AFC Knowsley, while hosts Thornton Cleveleys arrived full of confidence having suffered just two defeats so far this season.

Kaiden Barlow returned to the starting line-up for Brent Peters’ side as Borough prepared for another tough test on the road.

The opening 45 minutes was an evenly contested affair, with both sides enjoying spells of possession and looking dangerous from wide areas. Excellent deliveries were being put into the box at either end, but neither side could find the breakthrough early on.

It was Borough who eventually took the lead.

A well-weighted through ball from midfield released Connor Morris, and the Borough number ten remained calm and composed under pressure before slotting the ball beyond Oliver Lombard and into the bottom-right corner.

1–0 Borough.

Connor Morris finished well to give Borough the lead

Borough continued to push forward after the interval in search of a second, while Thornton Cleveleys began to create more space and drive forward with the ball as they looked to get themselves back into the contest.

Joey Fallon and Paul Sholabi defended resolutely as the home side increased the pressure.

Borough would, however, extend their advantage from a set piece.

James Bartholomew delivered a corner with precision into the danger area and Joey Fallon connected perfectly, directing his header into the corner of the net.

2–0 Borough.

Joey Fallon headed home Borough's second goal from close range

The home side were aggrieved, believing the ball had come off Townsend last and that the decision should have been a goal kick rather than a corner.

Several minutes later, Thornton were awarded a penalty in another controversial decision. The ball appeared to strike Fallon’s leg rather than his arm, but the spot-kick was given.

Luke Harris stepped up and made no mistake, drilling the penalty low into the bottom-left corner.

2–1.

The momentum had now shifted towards the hosts, with Thornton applying increasing pressure as they searched for an equaliser. That equaliser arrived in the 81st minute.

An excellent ball was delivered into the box from the left-hand side and Jackson Bateman rose to head the ball home.

2–2.

Borough suddenly looked shell-shocked as Thornton continued to press, forcing the visitors to defend with resilience and determination with their backs firmly against the wall.

Both sides made changes during the closing stages, but Borough dug deep and managed to see out the remaining minutes to secure a valuable point against tough opposition.

There was considerable frustration at the final whistle surrounding the penalty decision, with the question being asked how the referee could have concluded that the ball had struck Fallon’s hand when the official appeared to be some distance away from the incident.

For Borough, though, the focus now turns to Tuesday night and another local challenge.

NEXT UP: COLNE FC AWAY – TUESDAY NIGHT.

Brent Peters’ side will be looking to build on another hard-earned point when they make the short trip to Colne.