Match Report by Cayden Sands

The Dennyboys began the game well, having the game’s first big chance after just a minute, with Marcel Stepniewski seeing a promising effort inside the box well saved by the keeper before the ball was then cleared, preventing Luke Brooks from getting a chance on the rebound.

Following the early excitement, the remainder of the game’s opening ten minutes would see little in the way of chances of either side as both back lines stood firm.

In the 14th minute, Handsworth fully tested Liam Wilson for the first time after an audacious effort from Mitchell Dunne looked to get the better of the keeper, but it could only find the side netting in a moment of relief for the Dennyboys.

Handsworth had another opportunity on 19 minutes, this time following a low cross from Dunne that was flicked towards the goal by Jordan Hines, but some wonderful reflexes saw Wilson make a good save to make sure the scores stayed level.

Thackley would almost capitalise on this missed chance after 21 minutes with a great passage of play that managed to set up Brooks for a good effort that lacked some power, meaning it was an easy collection for James Pollard.

The 34th minute produced the game’s next big opportunity as a good corner delivery saw Handsworth almost take the lead thanks to a header from Hines, but he only managed to steer it over the bar.

Thackley would begin one of their best spells of the game after this, allowing for a free kick in the 41st minute that saw Brooks and McDaid standing over it, but it would be the latter that took it, with him giving Thackley the advantage with a very well hit effort that sailed into the net, coming off the crossbar in the process, to give the Dennyboys an important lead before the half time whistle.

This goal almost became two when in stoppage time, Marcel Stepniewski found himself through on goal, though his marker was able to catch up with him and pressure the forward into a tame effort that was deflected and went out of play.

HALF TIME: Thackley AFC 1-0 Handsworth FC

Handsworth started the second half very well, equalising within two minutes of the restart when a good passage of play set up Hines, who headed into an open net to level the game up and make the half a bit more interesting.

Despite Handsworth’s quick start, the game would take on a slower pace following the goal, but this would suddenly change in the 61st minute when Dunne would give Handsworth the lead thanks to an impressive first time volley from a wide angle, giving Thackley a mountain to scale for the remaining part of the game.

The Dennyboys would recover well from going behind, defending well amidst some slight pressure from the visitors whilst also showing some promise going forward, though they couldn’t create a big opportunity as the game neared the 70 minute mark.

The game’s slow pace continued as the minutes began to deplete and with both sides struggling to create opportunities, even with the fresh legs on the pitch.

As Handsworth played their best spell of the game, they would seemingly put it beyond doubt as the final ten minutes approached thanks to Luke Mangham, who received the ball in open space and powered it past Wilson, giving the visitors some breathing room as the game neared the conclusion.

As added time approached, Handsworth managed a good defensive display that seemed to be keeping the Dennyboys at bay and allowing them little room for any slight comeback.

However, the 94th minute would change everything after Thackley were awarded a penalty for a foul on Ryan Conlon, with Brooks dispatching the spot kick well to set up a photo finish to what had been a very entertaining game.

Thackley would then follow the penalty with a spell of near constant pressure as the visitors seemed determined to hold on to their slender advantage.

The 98th minute would be the culmination of the game’s drama, with a cross from Reuben Bartkiw on the left wing being headed home by new signing Marcel Stepniewski, whose height ensured his effort ended up in the bottom left hand corner to save a point for Thackley, much to the visitors’ disappointment.

Shortly after the leveller, the referee would bring the game to an end, ensuring another important point for Thackley as a crucial run of fixtures arrived.

FULL TIME: Thackley AFC 3-3 Handsworth FC

Jamie Price’s side return on Tuesday night when they travel to Retford to face Retford FC in another crucial NCEL Premier Division game.

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Davies, McDaid, Walters, Basi, Figurny, Bartkiw, Isbell (Jones 73’), Stepniewski, Brooks, Walker (Conlon 64’).

Handsworth FC team: Pollard, Smith, Williams, Booker (Williams 80’), Harriott (Haigh 88’), Hough, Arbouin, Kenyon, Hines, Mangham, Dunne.

Thackley AFC scorers: McDaid (41’), Brooks (90+4’), Stepniewski (90+8’).

Handsworth FC scorers: Hines (47’), Dunne (61’), Mangham (80’).