Both teams began well, with it being Thackley who had the opening chance of the game when a link up between Callum Charlton and Hass Gorji saw the latter connect with a cross and have a go at goal, but this could only be deflected and cleared away.

The game remained competitive and both sides were making their opponents work, with Jamie Price’s side again coming close on 13 minutes after a free kick from Lewis Sugden found Keanan Mannings in the box, but Mannings could only head the ball over and out.

The hosts were able to enjoy some momentum themselves after an initially slow start, with them really testing Thackley’s backline.

Their persistence would pay off after 26 minutes when they took the lead thanks to Sonny Whittingham, who scored with a good effort that beat Liam Wilson and landed in the top right corner.

Thackley weren’t going to be easily put down by conceding, with the team doing well to restore their pressure on Campion, proven by some good play between Sugden and Paul Walker in the 40th minute that allowed the former to test Luke Wilson with a low effort, though this could only find a Campion man and was blocked.

More Thackley chances would emerge as half time approached, with Toby Marriott, Gorji and Sugden all testing Wilson, but all of these chances were dealt with or went out of play.

Half time soon followed, with the referee signalling the conclusion of an exciting half.

HALF TIME: Campion AFC 1-0 Thackley AFC

The second half began well for Campion following some early Thackley pressure, allowing them to double their advantage on the 53 minute mark thanks to Ewan Gregson, who continued his strong form with a good effort from a wide angle, getting the better of Wilson and giving the hosts a more comfortable advantage.

Two goals then became three for Campion, soon after when Gregson got his second of the game thanks to a similar goal to his first, again beating Wilson from a wide position and giving his side a cushion.

It was after this goal where Price opted to make his first substitutions, with these changes including Nathan Hunt, Thomas Parkinson and Jaedyn Chibanga, all of whom contributed well as Thackley hoped to find a way back into the game.

More substitutions followed for Thackley, which coincided with the game entering perhaps its quietest passage of play, with neither of the two teams being able to create a big opportunity.

Just as the game was winding down, Thackley almost scored a consolation on 88 minutes when Mason Wilson saw his cross become an effort at goal, though Wilson managed to collect it well.

The referee would signal the end of the game soon after, condemning Thackley to a derby day defeat.

FULL TIME: Campion AFC 3-0 Thackley AFC

The Dennyboys make their return to action when they face Tadcaster Albion in a a league fixture at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield on Wednesday.

Campion AFC team: Wilson, Parsons, Bodle, Nebard, Billy, Mitchell, Muirhead, Whittingham, Sykes, Day, Gregson.

Thackley AFC team: L. Wilson, M. Wilson, Charlton (Whelan 75’), Washington, Coates, Sugden, Brooks (Hunt 60’), Mannings, Marriott (Chibanga 60’), Gorji, Walker (Parkinson 60’).

Campion AFC scorers: Whittingham (26’), Gregson (53’, 56’)

Photo credit: Meg from Find Me on the Sidelines / Campion AFC