A four-week break didn’t faze Hebden Bridge Saints Tigers Under 16s as they recorded a superb, hard fought 3-1 victory over a dogged Thornhill United.
Hildred was unlucky not to break the first half deadlock with a powerful header from a Summerscales corner.
Thompson had a couple of chances but the lack of match action and a slippery, thawing pitch proved difficult to overcome.
The second half, when they were much the better team, proved more fruitful and Howard fired in the opener.
Not long after, Summerscales made a strong run into Thornhill’s box and was tripped. He confidently fired home the penalty.
Birch, Collett and Gayle continued their stoic work in defence in front of an ever solid Davie in the Tigers net.
Callaghan, Corry-Wright, Whitelaw and substitute Horsfield worked well and didn’t allow Thornhill a foothold in midfield.
Howard got his second when he finished off another excellent move with a rocket into the top right corner. Thornhill nicked a late breakaway goal.