West Riding County Cup- 27th October 2026- Kick Off: 7.45pm

Match Report by Cayden Sands

An Alex Ingham brace and Alfie King’s second goal at Myra Shay this season saw Thackley progress in the West Riding County Cup with a 3-1 victory over Albion Sports.

The game would start in a quick and exciting fashion, with both sides having chances early on, though the best of these would be from Thackley’s Ingham, who saw a volley in the third minute produce a good save by Harrison Smith.

The ninth minute saw Albion almost take the lead, with Luke Aldrich’s effort being deflected and eventually cleared away.

Both teams would continue to have chances one after the other, with King completing a good solo drive after 13 minutes for Thackley to test Smith, whilst Sumaili Cisse would attempt to chip Liam Wilson soon after, though this would fail to trouble the goalkeeper.

Thackley would really grow into the game after a fairly even opening, with them starting to enjoy the majority of the game’s best chances, with a 20th minute effort from Olaf Figurny that just went over the bar proving this.

The 30th minute saw another good passing move by Thackley, a common part of recent games, when Sam Clothier and Joe Kell would link up to ensure the latter found a good position to cross the ball towards Ingham, who narrowly missed it, allowing it to simply roll away from any spot of promise.

Despite losing captain for the evening Kam Basi to a knock shortly following this, allowing for midfielder Tom Ingham to receive his debut for the club, the team wouldn’t be left downbeat by this loss, with them taking the lead after 36 minutes thanks to Alex Ingham.

After some good footwork from Kell that saw him get a powerful effort at Smith away that was well saved, Ingham was there to convert the rebound and give Thackley the advantage.

The lead would be extended just before half time, with Albion Sports’ Jay Buchan failing to clear the ball properly in the middle, allowing for King to play through Ingham, who used plenty of speed to race away from his marker before slotting the ball past Smith into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, giving the Dennyboys some breathing room before the end of the half.

The referee would bring the half to an end shortly after this, with an exciting half that saw Thackley take their chances setting up a second 45 minutes that could be just as exciting.

HALF TIME: Albion Sports 1-3 Thackley AFC

The second half would start in a perfect manner for the Dennyboys, with the lead being extended after 49 minutes by King, who after a crazy sequence of play in the penalty area that saw saves from Smith and some blocks, King would eventually be the one to make the most of his opportunity, receiving the ball on the left hand side of the box before curling it past Smith with his right foot and placing the team in complete control.

Albion wouldn’t go down so easily though, something proven after 52 minutes as key player Talent Ndlovu tested Wilson with an effort similar to the one scored by King earlier on, but the keeper wouldn’t make the stop and keep the Dennyboys’ lead at three.

As the game entered a much quieter period in which neither side could create any big moments of note, this presented the perfect time for the teams to make some changes, with Tidiane Diallo replacing Alex Ingham, whilst Ryan Conlon replaced Alex Washington as he continues his return to the team following an injury.

Albion would make the game more interesting in the 75th minute as they gained a goal back through Junior Nasihunu, whose first time effort in a crowded area was enough to beat Wilson and end up in the bottom left hand corner.

Immediately following the restart, Thackley would make their way up the pitch against a suddenly rejuvenated Albion team, allowing for the ball to find Diallo in space, though he would be denied his first goal for the club after his curling effort was stopped by Smith.

The rest of the game would see the Dennyboys defend well against some pressure from the hosts, allowing them to see the game out for the victory.

The referee would bring the game to an end with Thackley deserved winners, with this result sealing their fourth win in their last five fixtures.

FULL TIME: Albion Sports 1-3 Thackley AFC

Thackley return to league action on Saturday when they face Keighley Town at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield.

This result means they progress in the County Cup and will face Route One Rovers at Myra Shay in the next round.

Albion Sports team: Smith, Sumaili, Wilkinson, Cisse, Cox, Basi, Ndlovu, Buchan, Aldrich, Gorji, Robinson.

Thackley AFC team: Wilson, Walters, Isbell, Washington (Conlon 71’), Basi (T. Ingham 32’), Stepney, Kell, Figurny, Ingham (Diallo 59’), Clothier, King.

Albion Sports scorer: Nasihunu (75’).

Thackley AFC scorers: A. Ingham (36’, 44’), King (49’).