Match Preview by Cayden Sands

Overview:

Thackley return to the road on Saturday when they travel to South Elmsall to face Frickley Athletic.

This game arrives after the Dennyboys continued their unbeaten start to the league season with a 0-0 draw against newly promoted Horbury Town at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield last Saturday, whilst also being the team’s first away game since their 1-0 victory away at Rossington Main.

Though the season is now in full swing, Jamie Price’s side continues to evolve, with new players still coming in, all of which are determined to make a name for themselves as the season progresses.

The Opposition:

Welcoming Thackley on this occasion are Frickley Athletic, who have had a mixed start to their season.

Like the Dennyboys, the ‘Blues’ saw their Emirates FA Cup run end early, with Tom Claisse’s side suffering a 1-0 defeat to step four club Brighouse Town.

Meanwhile, their league campaign has seen a win and a loss so far, the former of which came against Albion Sports on the opening day of the season by a 2-1 scoreline.

This was followed by a loss away at Barton Town in their second league game of the campaign.

Key Players:

So far in this campaign, Frickley have scored two goals, with these coming in the aforementioned game against Albion Sports thanks to Luis Afonso-Ferreira and Thomas Alngohuro, with both players being eager to increase their tallies.

Crucially, Alngohuro also netted for the team in pre season, giving him extra confidence going forward.

Previous Meeting:

The most recent fixture between Thackley and Frickley came on December 21st 2024 at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield.

Played in difficult conditions, the game turned out to be an early Christmas present for the Dennyboys as they came away 3-1 winners.

Liam Hudson would give Thackley the lead early on, but they were pegged back just before half time, with Callum Brook equalising for Frickley.

Thackley would restore their lead in the late stages of the second half thanks to a Lewis Sugden wonder goal, before Ben Grech-Brooksbank sealed the deal soon after, continuing the Dennyboys’ unbeaten December in the process.

Ground Description and Directions:

Frickley’s Westfield Lane ground is a real gem of the West Yorkshire non-league scene, with the ground boasting an impressive old seated stand that can fit 490 spectators.

The ground’s capacity currently stands at 2,087 and there is plenty of standing room on all sides of the ground, with covered and uncovered areas being available.

There is also a clubhouse and a snack bar, both serving a variety of refreshments.

Those using public transport to attend the fixture are recommended to go to South Elmsall rail station before making the short walk to the ground.

The station is regularly served, being part of the hourly direct route between Leeds and Doncaster.

Drivers are asked to follow the the various signs to the ground upon entering South Elmsall.

(Directions Credit: NCEL Website)

Admission Prices:

Adults: £7
Concessions: £5
Under-16s: £2 (or free with a paying adult)
Dogs allowed on a leash inside the ground

(Admission Prices Credit: NCEL Website)