Thorn 2011 delivered an emphatic performance against Renfrew in their league home match at Thorn Sports on 28 April 2025, securing a resounding 5-0 victory. The match kicked off at 6:45pm, showcasing the home side's attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the contest.
Thorn 2011 set up in a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical choice that allowed for fluid attacking play while maintaining a strong defensive line. Liam Curivan donned the gloves as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Elliot Marner and Dylan Crombie as right and left defenders, respectively, with James Welsh and Lewis Meikle anchoring the central defence. In midfield, Joe Caldwell operated on the right, Gus Piper took up a central role, and Jack Ross provided width on the left. Up front, Ryan Haigh and Shaun McCabe flanked striker Dan Wilson, who was tasked with leading the line.
The substitutes for Thorn 2011 included Markus McAuslan, Riley Boyd, Aidan O'Malley, and Leon Bradley, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The scoring opened early in the second minute when Joe Caldwell capitalised on a well-placed assist from James Welsh, slotting the ball past the Renfrew goalkeeper to give Thorn 2011 an early lead. The home side continued to apply pressure, and in the 26th minute, Gus Piper doubled the advantage by converting a penalty, awarded after a foul in the box, showcasing his composure under pressure.
However, the match took a more contentious turn as Dylan Crombie received a yellow card in the 29th minute for a bad tackle, followed shortly by Dan Wilson and Shaun McCabe, who were both cautioned for their challenges in the 32nd and 34th minutes, respectively. Despite the disciplinary issues, Thorn 2011 maintained their focus and went into half-time with a commanding 2-0 lead.
After the break, Thorn 2011 made their first substitution in the 37th minute, bringing on Markus McAuslan for Ryan Haigh. The second half saw Dan Wilson extend the lead further, scoring in the 45th minute to make it 3-0, a testament to Thorn's attacking depth.
Riley Boyd replaced Wilson shortly after in the 49th minute, followed by Aidan O'Malley and Leon Bradley coming on for Shaun McCabe and Jack Ross in the 54th minute, respectively. The substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, and in the 60th minute, McAuslan marked his introduction with a goal, further asserting Thorn's dominance.
Just a minute later, Gus Piper added his second of the match, assisted by McAuslan, who was proving to be a key player off the bench. With the scoreline at 5-0, Thorn 2011 continued to control the game, and in the 71st minute, Jack Ross returned to the pitch, replacing Dylan Crombie, as the home side looked to maintain their clean sheet and solidify their victory.
The match concluded with Thorn 2011 firmly in control, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive resilience. Gus Piper's standout performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's success. This victory not only boosts Thorn 2011's confidence but also reinforces their position in the league as a formidable force.
