Sheffield FC 2 V 1 Thackley AFC- Match Report

Macron NCEL Premier Division- Saturday 14th March 2026- Kick Off: 3.00pm

Match Report by Cayden Sands

A late goal from Luke Mangham narrowly denied Thackley a deserved point as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Sheffield FC.

The visitors began well and almost had the game’s opening goal quickly, with a number of efforts seeing themselves deflected and cleared away, with the final chance coming courtesy of Alex Washington, who just sent his effort over.

It would be Sheffield who really grew into the game from here as they tested Liam Wilson consistently, forcing some good saves out of the goalkeeper.

Perhaps the best of these saves came in the 17th minute when Harrison Poulter got into open space and looked certain to open the scoring, only for Wilson to make an excellent save with the top of his hand to ensure the game remained goalless.

However, the hosts wouldn’t have to wait much longer following this to gain an advantage when on the 21 minute mark, Cameron Bedford scored with a very well taken effort to beat Wilson and open the scoring.

Thackley weren’t going to be put down so easily however as they continued to create chances despite being behind.

The best of these would come from the likes of Keanan Mannings and Paul Walker, both of whom had some good efforts, with the former heading a cross from Walker just over the bar after 26 minutes, whilst Walker himself had a good effort only a few minutes after go over and out.

The rest of the half would pass with very little of note, allowing the referee to bring the first half to an end with Sheffield narrowly ahead, whilst Jamie Price’s team were far from out of the encounter.

HALF TIME: Sheffield FC 1-0 Thackley AFC

Thackley began the second half well as they enjoyed plenty of chances, the best coming from Toby Marriott after 48 minutes, with his low effort going only just wide of goal.

Just after Wilson was at it again to make another superb save to deny Bedford a brace, Hass Gorji would capitalise, levelling the game after 54 minutes with a very well taken effort following a great throw in that led to a defensive mix up by the hosts.

Fairly soon after this, Luke Brooks would have a good chance of his own, but it was saved by the hands of Jordan Greaves before being cleared away.

Sheffield began to find their rhythm again following a good spell from Thackley, with them once again making the defence work.

This would lead to their best chance of the half so far on 70 minutes, with a ball in a crowded area heading towards goal, but a last second clearance from Mannings, a superb overhead kick, prevented a goal.

The minutes began to trickle down and the two sides did well to remain finely balanced, with them managing to limit chances well.

Just as a draw looked like the certain result, the hosts would win it right before added time, with an initial save from Wilson allowing for Mangham to score courtesy of a rebounded effort in a hugely disappointing turn of events for Thackley. Replays showed the scorer may have been in an offside position but the officials did not spot this.

After a late push by Thackley to save a point that unfortunately yielded no luck at all, the referee brought the game to an end, with the hosts stealing the points despite a good performance from Price’s side.

FULL TIME: Sheffield FC 2-1 Thackley AFC

Thackley make their return to BD10 in their next game as they face Handsworth FC.

Sheffield FC team: Greaves, Greenhouse, Webster, West, Finlaw, Beatson, Crofts, Cutts, Hardwick, Bedford, Poulter.

Thackley AFC team: L. Wilson, M. Wilson, Charlton (Parkinson 45’), Washington, Coates (Whelan 50’), Figurny, Brooks (Stepniewski 74’), Mannings, Marriott, Gorji, Walker (Chibanga 65’).

Sheffield FC scorers: Bedford (21’), Mangham (90’).

Thackley AFC scorer: Gorji (54’).