/Thackley AFC v Pickering Town - Match Report

Macron NCEL Premier Division- Saturday 21st February 2026- Kick Off: 3.00pm

Match Report by Harry Baxendale

Thackley AFC were left frustrated at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield as a dominant display and a host of chances went unrewarded, with Pickering Town claiming a narrow 1–0 victory from their only clear opening of the afternoon.

There was a boost with Alex Washington finally available after serving his 3 match suspension, which had taken 6 weeks given postponements in other fixtures. Callum Charlton signed this week as well also made the bench looking to make his debut.

The Dennyboys started brightly and threatened early on three minutes when Lewis Sugden struck a free kick from the edge of the box, though it was comfortably held by the Pickering goalkeeper.

Thackley continued to press, and on 11 minutes a defensive error gifted Hass Gorji a sight of goal, but his effort drifted narrowly over the bar. At the other end, Liam Wilson produced a superb double save on 13 minutes, first denying an effort from distance before reacting sharply to block the rebound from close range.

Chances continued to fall for the hosts. Alex Washington delivered an inviting cross on 18 minutes that found Toby Marriott, but the header could not be directed on target. Marriott then worked an opening himself two minutes later, only to see his shot flash just wide.

Sugden’s delivery was a constant threat, with corners and crosses on 22 and 23 minutes causing problems in the Pickering box, though Keenan Manning and Marriott but were unable to apply the finishing touch. Gorji was next to go close on 26 minutes, firing wide when played through on goal.

Thackley remained firmly on top. Paul Walker picked out Tom Whelan with a deep cross on 34 minutes, but his header was straight at the keeper, while Washington and Sugden both saw further efforts saved. A close-range chance on 41 minutes also went begging as Pickering cleared after a six-yard effort was directed at the goalkeeper.

Despite complete control and numerous openings, Thackley went into the break without reward.

HALF TIME: Thackley AFC 0-0 Pickering Town

The pattern continued after the restart. On 49 minutes, Marriott was played through on goal but appeared to be brought down from behind, with strong appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee.

Thackley maintained possession and territorial dominance, though clear-cut chances were harder to come by in the early stages of the half. A well-worked move on 56 minutes saw Luke Brooks release Gorji down the line, but his cut-back was superbly defended for a corner.

Against the run of play, Pickering took the lead on 62 minutes. A mix-up between the Thackley centre-back and Wilson allowed Coulibaly to capitalise and finish into the net , giving the visitors the lead despite the Thackley pressure

Thackley responded immediately and laid siege to the Pickering goal. Marriott saw a shot brilliantly blocked by a sliding defender on 65 minutes, before Gorji was replaced by Jaedyn Chibanga on 69 minutes.

Heroic defending from the visitors continued to deny the hosts, with two desperate blocks inside the six-yard box preventing both Brooks and Marriott from equalising on 74 minutes. Sugden was booked on 79 minutes for halting a counter-attack.

The best chance of the closing stages came on 85 minutes when the Pickering goalkeeper produced an outstanding save, tipping over from a deep Whelan delivery. Jamie Price in hope to find a equaliser makes further changes on 87 minutes as Olaf Figurny and debutant Callum Charlton replaced Tom Parkinson and Whelan.

Thackley pushed until the end, but the final opportunity on 90 minutes fell to Brooks, whose shot lacked power and was gathered by the keeper.

FULL TIME: Thackley AFC 0-1 Pickering Town

It was a day of frustration for the Dennyboys, who controlled large spells and created numerous chances but were unable to find the decisive finish. A single defensive mix-up proved costly against a Pickering side pushing towards the play-off positions.

A crowd of 283 at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield provided excellent backing, and the club thanks all supporters for their continued support throughout the season.

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

Thackley AFC team: L.Wilson, Whelan (Figurny 87’), Parkinson (Charlton 87'), Sugden, Coates, Washington, Brooks, Mannings, Marriott, Gorji (Chibanga 72’), Walker.
Unused Subs: Knowles; Green.

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

Thackley AFC scorer: N/A

Pickering Town scorer: Coulibaly (62')