Its Derby Day in the NCEL Premier Division as Thackley AFC welcome local rivals Eccleshill United FC to Dennyfield as the home side look to continue their push for the play-offs.

Despite last week’s supposed trip to Maltby Main falling foul to the weather the postponement of most other games across the league meant that only Penistone Church managed to decrease the gap of those chasing outside the play-off positions. Their victory over Bottesford Town propelled them to sixth place narrowly outside the play-off spots and four points behind Thackley AFC in third place. Only two other games took place over the weekend however both featured the sides above Thackley AFC as Campion AFC beat Goole AFC 3-1 and Emley AFC continued their free-scoring football as they defeated Handsworth FC 7-1 to increase the gap to 12 and 14 points respectively. Before that Thackley AFC were held to a 1-1 draw at Dennyfield on Boxing Day to Golcar United as Billy header just before the break cancelled out an early opener from George Doyle and despite being on top throughout the second half Thackley AFC were unable to find a winner.

On the other hand, Eccleshill United currently sit two points and two places above the relegation zone having won just one league game in seven attempts since the middle of October. However, with many postponements mixed in throughout that run it has been difficult for the visitors tomorrow to gather any momentum throughout the season. Last time out, the ‘Eagles’ were beaten 3-1 at home to fellow Bradford side and play-off hopefuls Albion Sports who currently sit two points behind Thackley AFC. On that run Brice Ghussein has been something of a bright spark for the visitors scoring four goals in their last four games including a brace in a 3-0 victory against Maltby Main followed two games later as the attacker scored the Eagles’ only goal in a 4-1 loss against high flying Emley AFC. The forward will certainly be someone for the Joint Management side to look out for.

Unfortunately, they will need to face Eccleshill United without full back Ben Bodle, who made the switch to Dennyfield from Eccleshill United earlier in the season, as his yellow card against Golcar United meant he picked up a 1 game suspension and the postponement against Maltby Main, which was the game he would have missed, has meant he needs to sit out the game against his former Club. However, Thackley AFC will welcome back George Green to the squad after suspension as well as players such as Harry Parsons, Ben Grech-Brooksbank and others fighting to be involved following injury.

Thackley AFC ran out 2-0 winners in the shortest away trip of the season in early September as two last minute goals from Terrelonge-Jones followed two minutes later by substitute Donovan. Kick-off on the day was delayed 30 minutes as the match official wasn’t happy with the line markings at the Servo Group Stadium before the game eventually got underway in 30-degree heat. Thackley AFC started the game on top before Eccleshill United clawed themselves back into it towards the end of a goalless first half. On 58 minutes both teams were reduced to 10 men after a strange turn of events in which Morgan and Sumaili clashed heads in the penalty area before contact whilst both players were on the floor was deemed to be enough for both players to be dismissed following consultation with the assistant referee. Thackley AFC were then able to make the most of a period of sustained pressure as Terrelonge-Jones fired into the roof of the net on 88 minutes before Donovan sealed the points five minutes later with a great strike after cutting inside from the right. That wasn’t the end of it though as the home side were reduced to nine men after Bayoh was shown a red card for dissent towards the referee in the final moments of the game.

All support would be much appreciated on Derby Day where as always entry will be £6 for adults; £4 for concessions and free for any under 16’s accompanied by a full paying adult.

Thank you to Ray & Joan Killick and Guests who are our Match Sponsors tomorrow, as well as The Ainsbury who are the Ball Sponsor.