Warrington Town 2

Blackpool Rovers 1

ROD Thornley inspired Warrington Town to their first win for three months.

The livewire striker had a hand in both Town goals and with a bit more luck he could have bagged a hat-trick himself.

Town supporters were not being greedy though. This was the first time Town had scored more than once in a game since mid-November and the fans were just thankful for the three points that came with them.

Warrington took a 1-0 lead into the second half but there was some doubt over the scorer.

After midfielder Mark Ashton missed a sitter inside the box, Thornley beat Blackpool goalkeeper Keith Bloxham with a chip shot but the ball hovered invitingly a yard in front of the net.

Thornley's strike partner Kevin Tyrrell and Blackpool central defender Richard Hoyle raced for the ball and although it appeared Hoyle could only hoof the ball into his own net, the goal was awarded to Tyrell.

Thornley should have made it two when he was put clean through for a one-on-one with Bloxham but his shot lacked power and was within the 'keeper's reach.

Bloxham could do nothing about Thornley's spectacular 25-yard volley a few minutes later. But this time the cross bar saved Rovers from Thornley's blaster.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Andy Swift smashed a low driven free kick towards the keeper's right hand post but Bloxham was equal to it and turned it for a corner.

Thornley floated in a lovely corner and this time Bloxham made a hash of his attempted catch and Swift was in place not to be denied again and he gleefully poked it home.

Five minutes later Blackpool offered warning that it was not all one-way traffic when Hoyle made up for his 'own goal' in the first half by climbing the highest to nod home a corner.

Rovers rarely threatened again though and Town's first win since November 15 was secured.

Town: Thomson, Glass, Anderton, Owen, Langton, Hope, Ashton, Swift, Thornley, Tyrrell, McGhee. Subs: Clay, Cross, Berry.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.