Eccleshill United 0 v 2 Thackley AFC: Match Report

Macron NCEL Premier Division- Saturday 8th November- Kick-Off: 3:00PM

Match Report by Cayden Sands

A pair of goals in the first half courtesy of Toby Marriott and Hass Gorji secured a 2-0 victory for Thackley over Eccleshill United in Keighley.

The game began with the Dennyboys on top and this was proven by an early reward for the team, with them gaining the lead on the four minute mark after a ball across the penalty area from Luke Brooks was easily tapped into the net by Marriott, who extended his good run of form with this effort.

Thackley’s early control over the game didn’t show any signs of stopping following this goal as the team continued to create plenty of opportunities and gave Eccleshill nothing in return.

The second goal would come on the 17 minute mark thanks to Gorji, who got to a Lewis Sugden corner that floated over everybody in the box before landing at his feet, giving him plenty of space to extend the lead with a brilliant volleyed goal from a fairly wide angle.

Eccleshill managed to find their way back into the game after going further behind, but the Dennyboys defended very well as their hosts enjoyed their best period of the game, though this came with very little chances.

The half continued with the game on an even level, but it also contained plenty of excitement, despite the lack of clear cut opportunities for both teams.

Marriott did have the chance to get his second goal of the game on 41 minutes as he was able to get through on goal against Oliver Riva, but the forward found himself unable to get around the goalkeeper at a good angle, leading to an effort that was cleared off the line and away from the area.

The last opportunity of the half went the way of Eccleshill, with them failing to take an opportunity in front of a mostly open goal that came within a crowded 18 yard box, giving Thackley a big let off right before half time.

The referee’s whistle would bring the first half to an end following this, with the game still very competitive, but with the Dennyboys finding themselves in an excellent position.

HALF TIME: Eccleshill United 0-2 Thackley AFC

Thackley began the second 45 minutes in a strong fashion, continuing to control the game and going forward well.

The lead was almost extended on the 52 minute mark when Brooks had a promising effort outside of the box that tested Riva, with the goalkeeper just about managing to collect it.

Opportunities continued to come for both sides, but both back lines and goalkeepers showed great skill in how they prevented further goals.

Gorji was able to have an opportunity at his brace after 67 minutes as he was able to get through on goal against Riva, but the resulting effort at goal forced a good save, allowing the ball to go out of play for a corner.

After this, Jamie Price started to make his substitutions, with Gorji being replaced by Ryan Conlon, who brought some fresh legs going forward and was still looking for his first goal for the club.

Shortly following this, Brooks made way for Dec Parker, adding some more energy to the team.

Eccleshill’s most prominent period of the half would come as the minutes began to tick down, but some more great work at the back from the Dennyboys prevented the hosts from having any chances of note.

This was a theme that continued to the game’s last minutes, with the Dennyboys doing well to consolidate their advantage.

The referee would then blow his whistle, bring to a conclusion an excellent performance from Thackley that brought about a highly deserved victory.

FULL TIME: Eccleshill United 0-2 Thackley AFC

The Dennyboys return to NCEL Premier Division action next weekend when they head to South Yorkshire to face Wombwell Town.

Eccleshill United team: Riva, Bumhira, Gordon, Subhani, Davies, Laird, Diallo, McKiernon, Sangster, Wadsworth, Roberts,

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Gibbon, Powarth, Washington, Coates, Sugden, Brooks (Parker 73’), Mannings, Marriott, Gorji (Conlon 68’), Walker.

Thackley AFC scorers: Marriott (4’), Gorji (17’)