Thackley AFC will be keen to bounce back in this one following successive defeats for the first time since September in which the Dennyboys lost out on the road to Golcar United and in the reverse fixture against Maltby Main. However, those two losses were followed by four straight victories which propelled the side into play-off contention and it is hoped that a similar resurgence can start this evening. The recent stumbling block was caused by a trip to Penistone Church where Thackley AFC more than competed but were beaten courtesy of the home side scoring four goals in nine minutes to surrender the Dennyboys to a 5-1 defeat. This weekend Thackley AFC welcomed Handsworth to Dennyfield a game in which the home side were dominant but unfortunately lost out 2-1 after finding themselves 2-0 before Greaves pulled one back with his 40th Thackley AFC goal on 76 minutes.

Tonight’s opponents Maltby Main made a managerial change before December’s postponement as Andy Dawson and Lee Whitehead stepped in following the resignation of Jamie Smith. The Joint Management side became The Miners’ third and fourth managers of the season after the tenure of Jamie Smith had only started in October, but could only find wins in his first two games in charge. The Joint Management pair are viewed positively in South Yorkshire having previously been at the helm. Points have still been hard to come by so far though with 1 win in 5 games. However, the other four losses have never been by more than one goal including a dramatic 4-3 loss on the road to Frickley Athletic where they showed good character to recover from going 4-0 down. On top of that more recently, Maltby Main have been on the end of two 1-0 losses. The first of which came on the road to Pickering Town FC following Stares’ second half strike, before last time out Silsden AFC got the better of them at Muglet Lane courtesy of Connolly’s 37th minute winner. Thackley AFC will need to get back to the January 2024 form and take the chances when they come in this one if they are to come out on top against a tight-knit Maltby Main defence. Especially given that Maltby Main came out 2-1 winners back in September after a late Liam Hudson header wasn’t enough for Thackley AFC to take anything from the game despite a dominant performance. The visitors took a 2-0 lead with goals from Hardwick and Ellison on 29 minutes and 83 minutes respectively.

Maltby Main have seen many players come and go this season with over 57 players featuring for the side in the league. Something which can happen regularly at this level especially when a team has had a change in management. However, it has meant that the side have struggled to find consistency and after recently announcing the return of Joe Austin who has made 267 appearances for the club. Top scorer for Maltby Main this season is Nathan Perks scoring 6 goals in just 15 appearances, however he has found himself unavailable for a while so has been unable to add to that tally. At the other end, Maltby Main goalkeeper Levi Owen was influential between the sticks and managed to keep out a bombardment of Thackley AFC attacks in the reverse fixture. However, he is no longer registered with the club after making 21 appearances this season. He was recently replaced by Louis Hood who has featured in the last three games and has been key in recent defensive displays

It is not yet known whether Dempsey will be available for this one after pulling up in the warm-up before Saturday’s defeat. However, the Joint Management side will be given a boost to selection as Green returns from his five-match ban and is available for selection to add to the already threatening Thackley AFC attack. Also, Oli Metcalfe has been signed on dual registration from Pontefract Collieries and the midfielder has been registered in time by the NCEL to be available for selection this evening.

All support would be much appreciated at Muglet Lane this weekend where entry will be £6 for adults; £4 for concessions and £1 for any under 16’s accompanied by a full paying adult.