TWELVE goals and maximum points from two games promoted Bradford Town to sixth in the Toolstation Premier Division over the Easter weekend, to the delight of manager Wayne Thorne.

Thorne’s troops defeated ten-man Westbury United 5-2 at home on Good Friday before coming from behind to down struggling Shortwood United 7-1 away from home on Monday.

Those results mean the Bobcats can secure sixth place in the league with a win at Roman Glass St George on Saturday.

Thorne said: “We started Friday (against Westbury) very well, the game was 50-50 really until their sending off – that changed the game.

“They grabbed a goal before half time and we had to take that on the chin, but we kept going and they couldn’t handle us on the day. We could’ve scored seven or eight.

“We kept our discipline and were the far better side. We deserved three points.

“On Monday we played with a lot of pride. Shortwood’s early goal got us going, we needed that kick up the backside.

“Once we got ourselves into the lead, there was only going to be one winner. We haven’t really battered a team since I joined, so to score 12 goals over the Easter weekend is very pleasing.”

A meeting with the club’s board this week proved insightful for Thorne and his management team.

Both parties concluded promotion from the fifth-tier of non-league football must be set as the club’s long-term goal.

But ensuring that challenging for promotion is delivered at the right time financially also seems a key at Trowbridge Road.

Thorne added: “The board know what I want to do, the club is in a positive right now where it wants to be successful – but we can’t overkill things.

“A manager will always want the best players, but these things take time. If we work together we can reach our goals.

“But the squad does need strengthening if we are to earn promotion next season.

“We’ve played okay against the top teams, losing six games in 32 is not a bad record at all.”

Following Friday’s defeat to Bradford, Westbury United suffered more misery as they lost by two goals to nil at home to Bridgewater Town on Monday.

The result confirmed the club will finish the year fifth.