Ripley out thought and out fought by the incredible Thunder.

The Heanor v Ripley local derby has been a feisty affair since both teams started their footballing journey. Today was a wonderful example of what the beautiful game is about. It was passionate but fair, and both teams were respectful on the pitch.

The results have been evenly split over the last 12 months, but this victory highlights our Thunder Boys' incredible progress.

Ripley started extremely well, their talented number 10 taking up a free role, dropping deep to get the ball and driving at the heart of the Thunder defence. Ripley plundered two quick-fire goals through this method, and the Thunder boys HAD to adjust to avoid a cricket score defeat.

Adjust they did and soon had Ripley and their enigma of a playmaker, running backwards and facing their own goal. Ripley was still confident and a threat, calling for Roux to make several last ditch diving saves.

The Thunder moved away from our recent controlled build-up game and started to hit the ball quickly and directly - high and wide, pulling Ripley's defensive shape out of position. Shay, Harvey, Frankie, and Oliver Booker worked tirelessly to find space and press Ripley out of possession, and gaps started to appear. Spencer started stepping out of defence with the ball and expertly found our advanced players in their spaces.

The Thunder started to create chances.
We plucked a goal back just before half time in fortunate circumstances when Ripley found the net under pressure from a Harvey press.

The way the Thunder ended the first half forced Ripley into changes at the start of the 2nd. Their number 10 was now playing in defence in an indication of how the game had swung thanks to the Thunder.

It was important that the Thunder got off to a good start after the break, and Oliver Burnell was called into action to deny Ripley in net 1v1. Oliver Booker found space in the Ripley half and hit a trademark half volley from distance which looped over the Ripley keeper and nearly burst the seams of the net to draw us level.

The game was now one way with Frankie, Jax, and Harvey all going close. Louie replaced Spencer and seamlessly carried on where Spence left off, carrying the ball from the edge of his box and feeding Harvey in the channel. Harvey selflessly squared to Jax, who calmly steered the ball into the net to give us the lead.

The tide had turned, and our boys were really enjoying themselves. Harvey ended the game as a contest, burying his shot hard and low after working the defenders and closing Ripley down which forced a mistake.

The final whistle went, and the teams respectfully shook hands. Praise for every single Thunder today. The spread of goals so far this season is a great indication of how they have developed as individuals but also as a team.

MOTM today
Shay Bestwick - predominantly featured in a battle of the first half and was key to us getting back in the game due to his hard work and running power.

Heanor Town Thunder is proudly sponsored by RJ Brickwork, Orsam trailers and Glow Visual.

Heanor Town Football Club

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