The Dennyboys started well, with the seventh minute producing their first major opportunity as Joe Kell and Bobby Isbell saw opportunities in quick succession, both of which troubled the Retford backline, but were ultimately dealt with.

The hosts recovered well from their poor start and created some good chances of their own, a run of play that culminated in them taking the lead on 13 minutes thanks to Iren Wilson, who upon receiving the ball in open space, was able to score the game’s opening goal with an effort from the left hand side of the box, beating his namesake Liam Wilson well in the process.

After going behind, Thackley recovered well and played some good football as they looked to find a quick way back into the game.

Despite this, chances were few and far between as Retford’s backline seemed to have an answer for just about anything thrown at them.

This resilience would pay off in the 24th minute when after winning a free kick in a good position for a cross, the resulting set piece saw an excellent delivery from Stephen Brogan which was converted by Brad Hextall to double Retford’s advantage and give the Dennyboys a huge task for the remainder of the game.

It was this second goal that seemingly sprung Thackley back into life, with the team playing some of their best football of the game so far at this point.

Stepniewski would make his first major contribution to the game on 28 minutes, setting up Luke Brooks for a promising chance, though this only resulted in an effort that lacked power and was easily saved by Jon Kennedy.

The Dennyboys would continue to play their best football of the game, though much like after they went 1-0 down, Retford’s backline looked impossible to get through as Thackley went in search of a goal.

Things almost got even worse after 43 minutes when Wilson had a chance to bag his brace, which he took well to further extend Retford’s lead, though this was ruled out for offside.

This would be the half’s last big moment, with the referee bringing it to an end soon after, leaving the Dennyboys relying on a great second half showing to save the game.

HALF TIME: Retford FC 2-2 Thackley AFC

Thackley began the second half simply looking to find their feet as the hosts managed some more good opportunities, the best of these being a promising Wilson chance on 56 minutes that was deflected away.

Kell would then have Thackley’s best chance of the half so far, latching onto a Brooks pass and having an effort, though this was scuffed and didn’t trouble Kennedy.

The 58th minute is when everything changed as the Dennyboys found a way back into the game courtesy of Stepniewski, who scored his first of the game upon receiving the ball on the left hand side of the box, using his space to power it into the bottom left hand corner to give Thackley a massive lifeline.

In the 61st minute, the forward would almost score his second after once again finding space in the box, this time on the right hand side, though on this occasion the effort would be blocked.

However, the introduction of substitute Ryan Conlon would prove vital in finding Thackley their equaliser, something they would manage in the 65th minute when a good ball into Conlon saw him manage a cross that allowed Stepniewski to get his leg out and tap the ball past a mostly motionless Kennedy, levelling the game up and setting up an exciting conclusion.

Conlon would be amongst the important moments again after 68 minutes, scoring from a Brooks cross and putting Thackley ahead, though this would be pulled back for a foul prior to the goal.

After all of the excitement, the game would enter a quieter period, with neither side really creating any chances of note, the best of these coming in the 76th minute when out of nowhere, Ryan Dungworrh would receive the ball in the box and have perhaps Retford’s best chance of the whole half, but despite seeming destined for the goal, the ball would roll just wide of the mark.

Wilson would then have another chance to get his second of the game not long after, producing a strong header that saw Thackley’s own Wilson make a great save.

Stepniewski would return to the forefront of the game’s drama in the 84th minute, once again being left with enough room inside the area to have a go at goal, though this was well saved by Kennedy to prevent a Dennyboys lead.

Both sides would continue to search for the all important goal, with the final big chance of the game coming in stoppage time when a Retford corner made its way into a crowded box before being connected with, but Wilson was there to make another superb save and ensure Thackley’s goals meant everything over nothing.

Shortly following this, the referee would bring the game to an end, securing a hard earned point for Jamie Price’s team in an exciting game for all involved.

FULL TIME: Retford FC 2-2 Thackley AFC

The Dennyboys return to action on Saturday when they welcome Campion AFC to the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield.

Retford FC team: Kennedy, Tingle, Overton (Haydock 84’), Brogan, Wankiewicz (Wood 79’), Hextall, Sennett-Neilson (Coleman 82’), Wonham (Jarosz 73’), Nsiah (Dungworth 58’) ,Tahar, Wilson.

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Walters, Isbell, Brooks, Basi, Davies, Bartkiw (Conlon 63’), Figurny, Stepniewski, Kell (Birley 82’), Walker.

Retford FC scorers: Wilson (13’), Hextall (24’).

Thackley AFC scorer: Stepniewski (58’, 65’).