Thackley secured a well-deserved 3–1 home victory over Albion Sports, with goals from Paul Walker, Hass Gorji, and Josh Owen who sealed the win in the ninety third minute.

The home side started brightly, pushing Albion Sports back but Albion created two early opportunities from crosses into the box, both chances were wide and no threat to Liam Wilson. Thackley scored in the eleventh minute, following a counter attack which saw the Dennyboys take the lead, Paul Walker opening the scoring and putting Thackley ahead. Albion created a couple of half chances with Nathan Cartman buzzing around up front. Hass Gorji was working hard and had three shots on goal, one bringing a save from James Aspinall, the other two wide of the post. As the half came to an end the weather began to play a big part in the match, the wind picking up and rain pouring down.

Half time: Thackley 1 Albion Sports 0.

The second half belonged to Thackley after Albion had a goal ruled out, Cartman straying offside. Thackley were creating chances, Aspinall saving from Jack McClarin and a last ditch tackle preventing Gorji from getting his shot off. At the other end, Thackley’s defence was standing strong whenever Albion did get forward. McClarin had the chance to increase Thackley’s lead but Aspinall came out to make a good save. After eighty two minutes Gorji doubled Thackley’s lead with a composed finish, Tabish Hussain providing the perfect cross to set up the chance. Albion hit back and Wilson had to make a couple of good saves before the away side reduced the arrears. Emmerson Cox’s ninetieth minute shot coming back off of the inside of the post into Wilson’s hands but the linesman adjudged the ball to have crossed the line. The goal made it a tense final few minutes, as Albion pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Josh Owen struck late on to wrap up the points, a well taken pass from Alfie Gibbon saw Owen carry the ball from the half way line with no defenders in his way and only the goalkeeper to beat, he finished right footed into the bottom corner.

Full time: Thackley 3 Albion Sports 1.

The three points secured sees the Dennyboys rise to sixth in the table.

Thackley return to action on Wednesday night when they face Bottesford Town at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield in a game that gives the team the perfect chance for another three points and look to climb the table.

Thackley team: Wilson: McClarin (Hussain 69 mins); Gibbon; Parker (Whelan 83); Morgan; Basi; Parkinson (Pow 72); Manning ©; Gorji; Hunt (Owen 87); Walker. Unused sub: Charlesworth.

Albion Sports: Aspinall; Suddards; Harper; Ndlovu; Heaton; Gordon; Hamdosh; Cox; Cartman; Wade; Cisse. Subs: A Basi; Quasim; Ponter; Waddington; R Basi.

Thackley scorers: Paul Walker 11 mins; Hass Gorji 82 mins; Josh Owen 90 mins.

Albion Sports scorers: Emmerson Cox 90 mins;

Attendance: 208

Referee: Ben Brighton.

Thackley MOM: Hass Gorji.

Photo: Hass receiving MOM award.
Match report - Harry Baxendale