Parkgate started quickly, with Harry Day testing Liam Wilson in the first minute, though this effort went out for a corner that the Dennyboys dealt with.

The game took on an even footing after this opportunity as the Dennyboys looked for the opener.

As the game passed the tenth minute, the momentum looked to be shifting in Thackley’s favour as their quick movement going forward was really testing Parkgate’s defenders, though the hosts were managing to weather the storm up to this stage.

After 19 minutes, Thackley had their best effort of the game so far when a botched keeper clearance found Paul Walker, who laid the ball off to Brooks, but the resulting chance couldn’t be taken as it ended up over the bar.

Walker would be at it again just two minutes later as he delivered a free kick into the area that was collected by Tom Whelan, but similarly to Brooks, his effort could only go over the bar and out of play.

The 24th minute saw a further Thackley opportunity when a cross found Stepniewski in open space, but his header could somehow only hit the bar before being cleared away in what was a massive let off for the visiting side.

As opportunities continued to show themselves to Thackley, Parkgate’s resilience at the back persisted, something that was proven in the 29th minute after a low cross from Dan McDaid led to a Walker effort that was cleared off the line and away for a corner in another big moment at the back for the visitors.

In the 38th minute, Walker again showed his value, putting a corner into the box that was collected by Whelan and saved by Samuel Riches before going out for another set piece, but this would come to nothing.

The half’s latter stages passed by without significant moments of note, with a short added time period allowing the referee to bring the half to its end with Thackley on top, but still in search of the first goal.

HALF TIME: Thackley AFC 0-0 Parkgate FC

The 50th minute saw the Dennyboys pick up where they left off, with new signing Alfie King having a promising effort saved by Riches.

A similar situation would show itself for King just three minutes later, but this was again saved, before the same would happen again in the 57th minute, showing a lively side to the team’s addition.

In the 58th minute, Parkgate looked to have taken the lead against the run of play thanks to a good effort from Josh Nodder, but this was pulled back for offside by the officials in a moment of relief for Thackley.

The 66th minute saw Thackley have another good chance, with a first time effort from Brooks going over the bar and away.

After another sustained period of pressure, Thackley would finally gain an advantage on 72 minutes when Stepniewski pounced on a loose ball before beating his marker and converting the opportunity with a low effort past Riches and into the net, giving the Dennyboys a deserved lead at a key point of the game.

The lead was almost extended on the 77 minute mark when substitute Bobby Isbell tested Riches from a very difficult angle, but his effort was good enough to force a save out of the Parkgate keeper.

Thackley would continue to press, with a reward coming in the 81st minute courtesy of Brooks, who scored his first of the game with a low effort into the bottom left hand corner to give the Dennyboys some much needed room to breathe.

Brooks would secure his brace just two minutes later, tapping a fumbled save into the net to all but secure the points as the rain came down on a miserable evening for Parkgate.

However, Brooks wasn’t done there, sealing his hat-trick just another three minutes after that thanks to a diving header from a lofted ball, further cementing the Dennyboys’ victory and capping off a memorable performance for the midfielder.

The rest of the game would go by without anything of note, allowing the referee to bring the it to an end with Thackley the deserved winners in a massive statement victory.

FULL TIME: Thackley AFC 4-0 Parkgate FC

Jamie Price’s side return to the road on Saturday when they travel to Myra Shay to face Albion Sports.

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Walters, McDaid, Washington, Basi, Whelan, Kell, Brooks, Stepniewski, King, Walker.

Parkgate FC team: Riches, Morton, Wileman (Askwith 71’), Flint, Rudd, Ardron, Day (Asaba 45’), Russell, Nodder, McDonnell, Raynor.

Thackley AFC scorers: Stepniewski (72’), Brooks (81’, 83’, 86’).