Thackley AFC’s County Cup journey came to an end on Tuesday evening with a 4–2 defeat away to Northern Premier League side Ossett United. Despite the scoreline, the Dennyboys created numerous chances and pushed their higher-league hosts throughout the contest.

Ossett made the perfect start, taking the lead inside three minutes when Jacob Johnson reacted first to a long throw into the box and converted from close range. The hosts doubled their advantage again through Johnson on 12 minutes with a well-taken strike from the right-hand side of the area.

Thackley hit back immediately, though, as Alex Charlesworth’s dangerous cross was met by Tyler Polwarth, who headed back across goal to Hass Gorji who put the ball into the back of the net. The visitors grew in confidence, with Tabish Hussain firing over from a promising position and Toby Marriott forcing the goalkeeper into a fine save before the break. Ossett went in 2–1 ahead at half-time, but Thackley had shown plenty of threat.

HALF TIME: Ossett United 2-1 Thackley AFC

The Dennyboys started the second half brightly, Hussain’s effort blocked on the line before Ossett restored their two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute through Jack Crook. Thackley continued to press and went close again as Gorji forced a strong stop and a header struck the post, but against the run of play Ossett extended their lead further in the 64th minute, Crook bending a shot into the far corner.

Jamie Price introduced five substitutes to lift his side, and they made an immediate impact. Substitute Josh Owen was denied by a last-ditch block moments after coming on, but he wasn’t to be kept out for long. On 77 minutes, Owen powered home a superb header from a Lewis Sugden corner to make it 4–2.

Thackley pushed for more in the closing stages, with Hussain and Charlesworth again testing the goalkeeper, but Ossett’s finishing edge proved decisive as they progressed to the next round.

FULL TIME: Ossett United 4-2 Thackley AFC

Despite the result, Thackley can take encouragement from a strong attacking display and the volume of chances created against higher-league opposition. The Dennyboys are back in action this weekend against strong Pickering side who are looking to push for playoffs - 3PM kick off , Mill Lane, Pickering, YO18 7DB.

Ossett United team: Wild, Fanning, Murphy, Makiessi Tsibi, Pashley, Etherington, Bolino, Proctor, Crosby, Crook, Johnson.
Subs: Tweed, Thompson, Thomas, Walters, Smith.

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Charlesworth, Polwarth, Washington (Parker 66'), Coates, Sugden, Brooks (Green 66'), Whelan (Gibbon 66'), Marriott (Owen 66'), Gorji (Walker 66'), Hussain.
Unused subs: None.

Ossett United scorers: Johnson (3’ & 12'); Crook (52' & 65')

Thackley AFC scorers: Gorji (14'); Owen (78')