The game also sees the team return to the road following their narrow 1-0 defeat against Beverley Town at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield last week.

The Opposition:
Eccleshill United host Thackley at a key point in their season, with them having the same amount of points compared to the Dennyboys after one less league game.

The ‘Eagles’ had a difficult start to their league season following their move to Cougar Park, with a second victory in the campaign not coming until the middle of September after their opening day win back on July 26th.

These victories have included a convincing 3-0 win against Handsworth FC, a 4-1 win on derby day against Albion Sports, a 2-1 win against Horbury Town and a similar result against Knaresborough Town.

The team’s cup competition record has also been strong this season, with them making it to the first round of the FA Vase, alongside winning their opening NCEL League Cup game 5-1 against Goole AFC.

Key Players:
Eccleshill’s top goalscorer in all competitions is currently Zackary Sangster, who sits with seven goals in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Mark Ferguson currently sits on four goals, whilst Cole Roberts and Hamza Diallo trail him with three to their names.

Previous Meeting:
Last season’s second meeting between Eccleshill and Thackley saw the visitors leave Kingsway with a resounding 5-1 victory.

After the hosts initially took the lead thanks to a Thomas Priestley-Standing goal, it would be the Dennyboys who took control of the game from there, with Ben Grech-Brooksbank, Lewis Sugden, Tawheed Ahmed and Antony Brown all getting their names on the scoresheet.

Sugden’s goals earned particular praise from the crowd that day, with his second of the game being compared to Ronaldinho’s famous free kick for Brazil in the 2002 FIFA World Cup against England.

Ground Description and Directions:
Eccleshill’s move to Cougar Park for the 2025/26 season has given the club access to an array of facilities.

As it is also the ground of professional Rugby League club Keighley Cougars, Cougar Park boasts a current capacity of 2225, including enough room for 415 spectators in covered areas, alongside 225 seats.

The stadium also has a clubhouse that has all of the regular features, such as a bar and a variety of refreshments.

Ground Directions:
Head south-east on M606. Exit towards Dewsbury A638. At Chain Bar Roundabout, exit onto M606 slip road to Bradford/Euroway Est/Leeds Bradford Arpt. At J3, A6177 exit to Ring Road (West). At Staithgate Roundabout, 4th exit onto Rooley Ln/A6177. At roundabout, 2nd exit to stay on Rooley Ln/A6177. At roundabout, 1st exit onto Wakefield Rd. Merge onto Wakefield Rd/A650 via the slip road to City Centre/Keighley. At roundabout, 2nd exit to stay on Wakefield Rd/A650. Keep right to stay on Wakefield Rd/A650. Continue to follow A650. Continue onto Canal Rd/A6037. Keep left to stay on Canal Rd/A6037. Left onto Otley Rd/A6038. Right onto Bradford Rd/A650. At roundabout, 2nd exit onto Sir Fred Hoyle Wy/A650. At roundabout, 1st exit onto Airevalley Rd/A650. At roundabout, 2nd exit to stay on Airevalley Rd/A650. At roundabout, 2nd exit onto Hard Ings Rd/A650. At roundabout, 3rd exit to stay on Hard Ings Rd/A650. Turn left. Destination will be on left.

(Ground Directions: NCEL Website)

Admission Prices:
Adults: £6
Concessions: £3
Under 16: FREE
Dogs allowed on a lead

(Admission Prices: NCEL Website)