Thackley travelled to Bottesford for the second time this season for the rearranged league game, the first one was called off due to a frozen pitch after they had arrived. The Dennyboys had beaten the Poachers early in the season and were looking to extend their four match unbeaten run. Player availability made the task that bit more difficult. Having had five strikers in the squad at home to Garforth last Tuesday, only one was available for this game and so Joel Beattie was given his first start playing up front alongside Jordan Hines. The back line was revamped to include Dan Pickles for his first start, Lawrance Hunter moving into mid field. Kingston David was Thackley’s only substitute.

It was the home side that looked the sharper in the opening minutes, threatening from the kick off. Craig Bridge had a long range effort that went wide before Declan Bacon saw his shot rattle the bar. Thackley were under a certain amount of pressure but their defence was restricting Bottesford to a couple of long range efforts. As the half progressed, Thackley were looking much more comfortable and were more than matching their opponents. Both Lawrance Hunter and James Rothel had shots that went wide before Paul Whiteley saw his shot just clear the bar. Luke Wilson did well to push a Bradley Hockin drive across goal for a corner before Joe Edwards received a booking for pulling Joel Beattie back as he was about to enter the box. Mike Garrod fired over from the resultant free kick. With virtually the last kick of the half, Thackley missed a great opportunity to go in front, Hunter firing wide after Beattie had provided the perfect cross. The teams went in level at the break.

Half time: Bottesford Town 0 Thackley 0.

Hunter tested Ashley Ellis in the opening minute but it was the home side that went in front. Substitute Ben Johnson was put through, as Jerry White chased him to the bye line he was adjudged to have caught his back foot, with some hesitation the referee, after consulting with his assistant, awarded a penalty; Wilson was given no chance with Bacon’s spot kick. James Rothel received a yellow card for an overzealous tackle before the home side increased their lead. Johnson got clear of the defence before sliding the ball past the advancing Wilson. Just after the hour Bottesford were reduced to ten men, Edwards seeing yellow for the second time. Ellis did well to thwart Garrod after White and Hunter had set up the chance as Thackley pushed forward. Kingston David came on for Jordan Hines; Thackley were looking to make their numbers advantage count. Bottesford were slowing things down whenever possible but the away side, although having possession in mid field, were unable to create any real chances. Beattie headed Garrod’s cross wide and Rothel saw his well struck shot deflected past the post but the Bottisford defence held firm.

Bottesford Town 2 Thackley 0.

A couple of defensive lapses’, the first a rather dubious penalty, at the start of the second half brought Thackley’s recent run of victories to an end. It took the team a little time to adjust in the first half but they finished it strongly and could have gone in front. With a little more fire power up front perhaps they may have got something out of the game.

Thackley go again on Saturday when they play their penultimate home game of the season, sixth in the table Rainworth MW are the visitors to Dennyfield.

Bottesford Town team: Ellis; Spall; Edwards; Ridley (C); Johnson; Bridge; Greaves (O’Sullivan); McCarran; Holden (Johnson); Bacon (Herrick); Hockin.

Thackley team: Wilson; Thompson; Rothel; McGuire; Pickles; White; Garrod; Whiteley (C); Hines (David 68 mins); Beattie; Hunter.
Bottesford Town scorers: Declan Bacon 53 mins (pen); Ben Johnson 57 mins.

Attendance: 54.

Referee: Leo Howard.