Thackley travelled to the Victoria Pleasure Grounds yesterday to face Goole AFC. Although the Vikings sat at the bottom of the table with Thackley in 3rd position, Thackley will have been mindful of the reverse fixture earlier in the season in the same situation which saw Goole AFC take the 3 points with a 5-2 away win, and knew there would be no room for complacency on a windy and rainy day in front of the 221 crowd.

Green and Jones missed out due to suspension. In there place came J.Mitchell who returned as Captain after serving his 1 game suspension, and Claridge moved from the bench to the starting XI with Hudson returning on the bench in his place. The team was otherwise unchanged from the victory last weekend at Picerking Town.

Thackley started the game well with two good runs from Ellison-Tope in the opening 6 minutes. The first a good cross came across the box, but no-one was there to meet it. The second saw Donovan get a shot which, due to a bobble, went high over the bar. On 9 minutes, Goole AFC had their first chance as a cross to the back post found a red shirt and a shot went wide of the far Thackley post.

On 20 mins, Thackley would take the lead. A corner from the right was met by Greaves at the front post who hit an effort into the far left top corner, possibly helped over the line by a red shirt. It was on target though and Greaves was credited with the goal. (GOAL - Goole AFC 0 v 1 Thackley AFC - Greaves (20mins)) Thackley attempted to manage the conditions, and in particular the wind, and on 32 mins Ellison-Tope put a good cross in for Greaves but he just couldn't make enough contact at the front post. Greaves then tried an acrobatic overhead kick which went over the bar, and Dempsey hit a post from a free kick on 42 mins, fresh from his goal scoring free kick last weekend.

Thackley went into the break with the advantage.

Half time: Goole AFC 0 v 1 Thackley AFC

With the wind behind them, it was expected Goole AFC would try put some pressure on the Thackley goal. On 47 mins, Wilson was called into action to tip an effort over the bar with a good stop. On 58 mins, Bodle picked up a yellow card and on 62 mins, Greaves again fired just over the bar from a flick in the box.

Thackley would extend their lead on 65 mins. A throw in found Greaves in the box, who laid the ball to Suddards who struck well advancing to find the back of the net and get his first goal since returning to the Club. (GOAL - Goole AFC 0 v 2 Thackley AFC - Suddards (65mins)). On 68 mins, Woodward replaced Donovan. Goole AFC would then pull a goal back, as a cross to the back post found Flanagan who scored for the hosts to halve the arrears. (GOAL - Goole AFC 1 v 2 Thackley AFC - Flanagan (72mins)) On 77 mins, Edwards would replace the first goal scorer Greaves in attack.

Thackley looked to see the game out as best they could again with the conditions getting no better. On 88 mins, Goole AFC had a good chance to grab an equaliser, but a header from 6 yards out was thankfully placed over the bar. The full time whistle would come and with it the 3 points coming back to West Yorkshire from the East Riding.

Full time: Goole AFC 1 v 2 Thackley AFC

A tough test in challenging conditions, and although not a classic the history books will show a Thackley AFC win and 3 points on the board to keep the Dennyboys in 3rd place on Christmas Day.

Next up, Golcar United visit Dennyfield on Boxing Day in a game which kicks off at 1pm. We hope you can join us!

Goole AFC team: TBC

Thackley AFC team: Wilson; Everingham; Bodle; Suddards; Dempsey; Billy; Ellison-Tope; J.Mitchell©; Greaves (Edwards 77mins); Claridge; Donovan (Woodward 68mins). Unused subs: Prata; Hudson; Grech-Brooksbank.

Goole AFC Scorers: Flanagan (72mins)
Thackley AFC Scorers: Greaves (20mins); Suddards (65mins)

Attendance: 221

Photo Credit: X/Twitter: @minoansband