Thackley AFC 0 v 7 Handsworth- Match Report

Macron NCEL Premier Division- Saturday 21st March 2026- Kick Off: 3pm

Match Report by Harry Baxendale

It was a difficult afternoon for Thackley AFC as Handsworth claimed all three points with a clinical display. Despite a promising start and several early chances, the Dennyboys were unable to capitalise, with the visitors punishing key moments to run out convincing winners.

Thackley began the game on the front foot and created an early opening on three minutes. Hass Gorji drove down the left and cut the ball back into the path of Toby Marriott, whose effort was well saved by the Handsworth goalkeeper.

The Dennyboys continued to dominate possession in the early stages, working the ball into wide areas and creating crossing opportunities, though they were unable to convert them into clear chances.

On 12 minutes, a long ball over the top found Gorji through on goal, but his effort was comfortably saved. Marriott was on hand for the rebound, but was flagged offside.

Against the run of play, Handsworth took the lead on 17 minutes. A defensive mix-up between Harvey Coates and Liam Wilson allowed Jordan Hines for the visitors to capitalise, rounding both players and finishing into an empty net.

Thackley responded positively, with Callum Charlton causing problems down the flank. His delivery on 21 minutes caused danger, but Marriott was unable to make contact. Marriott then came close again on 26 minutes, striking into the side netting after being played through by Paul Walker.

A huge chance followed on 30 minutes when Marriott rounded the goalkeeper, but a recovering defender made a vital intervention to clear the danger out for a corner.

Handsworth doubled their lead on 35 minutes, capitalising from a set-piece as Ben Harriott for the Ambers was left unmarked to head home from close range.

The remainder of the half saw a couple of stoppages for injuries, allowing both sides to regroup before heading into the break.

HALF TIME: Thackley AFC 0-2 Handsworth

Manager Jamie Price made an attacking change at the break, introducing Marcel Stepniewski in place of Olaf Figurny as Thackley looked to find a way back into the contest.

However, Handsworth extended their lead on 50 minutes, with Mitch Dunne finishing off a well-worked move following quick passing exchange with several Handsworth players.

Price made his second change of the game on 58 minutes introducing the quick feet of Jaedyn Chibanga. However, the visitors struck again on 59 minutes, capitalising on a lapse in concentration to make it four. Thomas Whelan replaced Mason Wilson on 70 minutes, but Handsworth remained in control.

A fifth goal arrived on 75 minutes, courtesy of a superb strike from distance that curled into the top corner from Jonathan Williams

Despite the scoreline, Thackley continued to show attacking intent. On 82 minutes, Gorji drove forward and unleashed a powerful effort, but the goalkeeper was equal to it.

Handsworth added further goals late on, with Ify Ofoegbu lobbing Wilson on 83 minutes, before Tyler Williams completed the scoring in stoppage time with a composed finish.

FULL TIME: Thackley AFC 0-7 Handsworth

A tough result for Thackley, who showed promise in spells but were ultimately punished by a clinical Handsworth side. The Dennyboys will look to regroup quickly as there are two matches still play, and survival in the NCEL Premier Division still the aim and in the Dennyboys' own hands. Beverley Town away is our next match on Saturday 28th March, before the season ends at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield on Saturday 4th April againt Eccleshill United.

Thackley AFC team: L. Wilson, M. Wilson (Whelan 70'), Charlton, Washington, Coates (Basi 83'), Figurny (Stepniewski 46'), Brooks (Chibanga 59'), Mannings, Marriott, Gorji, Walker (Parkinson 83').
Unused Subs: None

Handsworth team: Pollard, Kenyon, T.Williams, J.Williams, Harriott, Haigh, Tavares, Booker, Wonham, Hines, Dunne.
Subs: Jessop, Pudil, Ofoegbu, Buttle, Greaves.