Thackley AFC endured a frustrating afternoon at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield as a spirited performance and a brace from Toby Marriott ultimately proved insufficient against Golcar United, who capitalised on key moments to claim the points in difficult playing conditions.

The game was one of a handful of matches to be played in the NCEL Premier Division due to the wet weather. Whilst the pitch was just about playable, it was not the best surface for either side to play football on and the rain continued to fall during the match.

The match got off to a difficult start for Thackley, with Golcar taking the lead on 10 minutes. A poor clearance led to a goalmouth scramble, and the visitors reacted quickest to force the ball over the line.

Thackley responded well and were level on 19 minutes. A long throw from Keanan Mannings caused problems in the Golcar box, with the visiting goalkeeper unable to hold onto the ball. Marriott was alert to the opportunity and smashed the loose ball into the net.

On 24 minutes, Hass Gorji showed great determination to make something out of nothing, battling to pull the ball back before seeing his effort blocked. Loud appeals for handball followed, but the referee waved play on.

Golcar regained the lead on 35 minutes through Ashley Flynn, who finished calmly into the bottom corner after a long goal kick and neat exchange on the edge of the box.

A few minutes later, the visitors extended their advantage. A long ball released the Golcar winger down the flank, and a squared pass found Oliver Russon, signed on-loan by Golcar United after a red card for his parent club Hallam FC left him banned for their match, unmarked to tap into an empty net.

Liam Wilson kept Thackley in the contest late in the half with an excellent save using his feet on 44 minutes, before the follow-up effort flew high and wide.

The sides went into the break with Golcar holding a two-goal advantage, leaving Thackley needing a strong response in the second half.

HALF TIME: Thackley AFC 1-3 Golcar United

Thackley began the second half positively. On 49 minutes, Lewis Sugden tested the Golcar goalkeeper with a dangerous free kick, though the effort was comfortably saved. Sugden went close again on 55 minutes, driving a shot wide from the edge of the area.

Manager Jamie Price made a double substitution on the hour mark, introducing Ryan Conlon and Jaedyn Chibanga in place of Hass Gorji and Luke Brooks.

Nathan Hunt was booked on 64 minutes for a late challenge, before Thackley reduced the deficit on 70 minutes. Marriott showed excellent work rate as his initial effort was saved, but he reacted quickest to convert the rebound and claim his second of the afternoon with a volley into the roof of the net.

Momentum swung firmly towards the hosts, and Thackley continued to push. Changes followed on 71 minutes, with Hunt and Thomas Parkinson replaced by Olaf Figurny and James Knowles.

On 73 minutes, Thackley were left frustrated again as Marriott went down inside the six-yard box under pressure, but appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Chibanga had a chance to pull another goal back on 85 minutes, getting on the end of a Sugden free kick, though his effort was comfortably saved.

Golcar struck again on 87 minutes, with George Doyle winning a 50/50 with Wilson before squaring for Rion Arbrouin (Golcar player) to finish to in effect end Thackley's search for an equaliser and point.

Thackley were inches away from responding on 90 minutes when Sugden’s free kick struck the post, with the visiting keeper gathering the rebound. However, Golcar were awarded a penalty a minute later after Kallum Reid was brought down in the box, and the George Doyle for the visitors converted from the spot to seal the three points.

FULL TIME: Thackley AFC 2-5 Golcar United

Despite a committed performance and two goals from Toby Marriott, Thackley were unable to overcome a clinical Golcar side who made the most of their chances. Thackley were much better in the second half and looked like the team that was going to go get the equaliser at 3-2, but the damage done in the first half and pushing forward / being caught on the break at the end of the match left too much to do.

Next up is an away trip next Saturday and a Bradford derby against Campion AFC.

Thackley AFC team: L.Wilson, M.Wilson, Parkinson (Knowles 71'), Sugden, Coates, Hunt (Figurny 70’), Brooks (Chibanga 61'), Mannings, Marriott, Gorji (Conlon 62’), Walker.
Unused Subs: Whelan

Golcar United team: Wilson, Reid, Baldwin, Morrisey, Lawrance, Booth, Bedeau, Wilkinson, Flynn, Doyle, Russon.
Subs: Kilbourn, Stead (GK), Arbouin, Durham, Eriamiator

Thackley AFC scorer: Marriott (19’ & 70')

Golcar United scorers: Flynn (10' & 34'); Russon (37'); Arbouin (87'); Doyle (90+2' - pen)