Toolstation NCEL Division One
Striker Joe Thornton has yet to concede a goal in six appearances as a goalkeeper in the NCEL. He has also saved a penalty
Nostell Miners Welfare star man Joe Thornton is clearly the man to call upon in a goalkeeping crisis.
The striker Thornton was once again in goal for Nostell during the goal-less draw with Worsbrough Bridge. The draw ensured that Thornton has kept a clean sheet in all six times he has had to go between the sticks in an NCEL fixture.
The remarkable run began during his time with Staveley Miners Welfare. His next crisis call came with Athersley Rec in August 2013 when Darren Shirt was sent off in their 2-0 win over Armthorpe Welfare. Popular Thornton also incredibly saved a penalty. “A striker playing like a quality ‘keeper, stopping everything that did get through,” is how his local paper described him.
It wasn’t until late into the following season that ‘The Cat’ routine was required again. This time it was for Shaw Lane in a crucial win on the Ducks’ ascent to the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division crown. Ben Gathercole was injured so Thornton was needed to oversee the goal during a 3-0 win at Heanor Town.
He was then between the sticks for the final game of the season – the 9-0 hammering of Glasshoughton Welfare.
His goalkeeping calling for Nostell in the 5-0 victory over Winterton Rangers raised a few eyebrows, but it shouldn’t have done with his track record.