Club notch up first win at new home HQ
A dramatic late penalty helped Thorn Athletic sting Harmony Row and seal their firstever victory at their “fantastic” new home ground.
The Johnstone side picked up a brilliant result in their first game at the newly-renovated Thorn Athletic Sports Academy at the end of last month, drawing with title challengers Kilsyth Athletic 1-1.
After thumping Rossvale 3-1 on the road, they returned home at the weekend to take on a tricky Harmony Row side who made the entire 90 minutes difficult for boss Barry McLaughlin’s side.
The hosts finally made the breakthrough just five minutes from full-time, with Niall Cannon slotting home from the spot after a handball.
And McLaughlin believes home comforts at Thorn’s new ground are only going to improve the fledgling West of Scotland League Division 4 side.
He said: “The ground is absolutely fantastic. Harmony Row were very complimentary of the facilities as well which was nice to hear.
“The fans are coming along, too, and that’s bringing a bit of finance in as well which is a big bonus, with cash generally going out the way while it was developed.
“It was a tough game. Harmony are a good side but we kept on plugging away and got the goal we deserved in the end.
“It’s a great first win having picked up a very good point against Kilsyth, who had a 100 per cent win record in the league this season up to that point.
“Lots of our boys are still getting used to the grass pitch, having grown up playing on astro.
“The pitch will bed in even more, too, having just been laid. But the boys have taken to it very well.”
Thorn will have to be at their best this weekend to take anything from their trip to Huntershill when they face title hopefuls West Park, who have lost just once all season and won every other game.
With a promotion spot still a possibility for Thorn, who have games in hand on the teams above them due to their cup successes this season, McLaughlin insists his side are relishing the challenge of claiming a big scalp in the league.
McLaughlin said: “West Park will be another difficult challenge. They’re a very good side but we can take confidence from the draw against Kilsyth.
“On our day we’re a match for anyone and we’ve got four or five boys coming back from injury.
“Competition for places always drives the standards up and it’ll give me more options later on in games too in terms of subs who can make a significant impact when legs start tiring.”
THORN ATHLETIC ................. 1 HARMONY ROW ................... 0