Thackley were in cup action on Tuesday night when Glasshoughton Welfare made the trip to Dennyfield in the opening round of the West Riding County Cup. The prize for the winners was a home tie against Halifax Town. Glasshoughton are in the First Division of the NCEL and were unbeaten in their last three matches. Thackley had suffered a couple of defeats and were in need of a moral boosting win, this match also gave them another chance of getting some silverware this season. With the return from injury of Craig Bentham, Kris Hargreaves and Dan Broadbent, the side showed quite a few changes to the one that took the field on Saturday against Staveley.

From the start it was obvious that Thackley would dominate most of the play and their first assault on goal was a Craig Bentham shot that Andrew Horbury saved at the second attempt. With Pat McGuire and Bentham controlling mid field the Dennyboys looked comfortable and it looked only a matter of time before they would take the lead. However, it was Glasshoughton that scored the opener, Mitchell Wiltshire’s well struck shot going across Ben Higginson and into the net via the inside of the post. Thackley went close to equalising minutes later, Dan Broadbent putting Joe Hughes’ cross narrowly wide. Broadbent turned provider for Hughes but his shot cleared the bar but Thackley, although having the majority of the possession, were not testing the Glasshoughton keeper. Too often they were trying to overplay in the final third and the away defence was able to clear. Adam Walsh picked up a booking for kicking the ball away but Glasshoughton were able to hang onto their one goal lead into the break.

Half time: Thackley 0 Glasshoughton Welfare 1.

Thackley picked up the pace at the start of the second half and Broadbent went close with a shot across goal. Thackley equalised soon afterwards, it was a rather fortunate goal but one the Dennyboys’ play deserved. Broadbent fired goalward, the ball took a deflection before Matthew Cunliffe, running back, tapped it past his despondent keeper. Horbury kept the scores level with a good one handed save after Broadbent had unleashed a fierce shot as Thackley started to pile on the pressure. Hughes was put clear but Horbury again saved before the away keeper came out to block Broadbent’s shot from a similar chance. Sam Cable and Kevin Sanasy came on for Will Hutton and the injured Broadbent but Thackley were making little headway up front. The Dennyboys were pushing forward which left opportunities for the away side to launch a couple of forays into the home half which came to nothing. With the game going straight to penalties Mike Garrod came on to replace Callum Marshall in the final minutes of the game.

Score after 90 mins: Thackley 1 Glasshoughton Welfare 1.

The game went to penalties and although Sam Cable’s penalty was saved Mike Garrod, Kesi Omolokun and Joe Hughes converted theirs to give Thackley a 3-1 victory.

It was a welcome win that had a certain amount of fortune about it, Glasshoughton took the lead against the run of play with a well struck shot, the Dennyboys got back on terms with a fluky goal. Overall, on the balance of play and chances, Thackley deserved their victory and the right to play Halifax Town in the next round.

Next up for the Dennyboys is yet another home game, this Saturday they take on top of the table Pickering Town. The Pikes are unbeaten in the league so far this season, Tuesday’s result will certainly have boosted Thackley but they will have to step up their game if they want to get anything from this weekend’s encounter.

Thackley team: Higginson; Marshall (Garrod 90 mins); White; McGuire (C); Hargreaves; Omolokun; Bentham; Whiteley; Hughes; Hutton (Cable 75 mins); Broadbent (Sanasy 75 mins). Sub not used: Wilson.

Glasshoughton Welfare team: Horbury; Rollinson; Cunliffe (McManus); Tonkinson; Walsh; Bucknall; Wiltshire; Akeister; Scothern;; Land (Olverton); Murray (Glavin). Sub not used: Hunter.

Thackley scorer: Matthew Cunliffe (og) 52 mins.

Glasshoughton Welfare scorer: Mitchell Wiltshire.

Penalties:
Thackley: Cable (saved); Garrod; Omomlokun; Hughes.
Glasshoughton Welfare: Scothern (hit post); Akeister (saved); McManus; Olverton (hit post).

Attendance: 46.

Referee: Aaron Bannister.

Photo: June Willingham presenting The Terrace (Saltaire) MOM award to skipper Pat McGuire.