Thackley returned to league action on Saturday when they entertained relatively near neighbours Knaresborough Town for the second of three consecutive home games. Knaresborough were unbeaten in their last three games, two victories and a draw, and would be looking to continue that run. Thackley had won their last three matches and they too would be hoping to add another victory to that run and maintain their place in the top four. There were a number of changes to Tuesday night’s starting eleven, Luke Rhodes had picked up a knock and Mark Everingham came in following his suspension. Finn Donovan and Joe Mitchell were recalled, Jake Holcombe dropped to the bench, Muhammet Tektas was unavailable. Matt Dempsey was fit enough to be on the bench which included new signing Bada Krubally.

Thackley had the perfect start when Knaresborough keeper Tommy Brown cleared the ball from the edge of the box, it sat up nicely for Ben Grech-Brooksbank just inside the away side’s half, his lob dipped under the bar, rushing back, Brown could only help it over the line. The goal energised the home side and they pushed forward, Nathan Hunt should have increased their lead a few minutes later but headed wide. Finn Donovan fired wide across goal and Grech-Brooksbank’s speculative lob hit the bar before the Thackley skipper got his second. Mark Everingham, Donovan and Hunt combined well to set Hunt free in the box, his cross was returned to the near post where Grech-Brooksbank was there to poke it in from close range. Most of the play was in the Knaresborough half, the Thackley mid field, with Hunt in particular, running the show. Around the half hour mark, Knaresborough conjured up a couple of shots on goal but it was Thackley that were creating the better openings. Grech-Brooksbank, Hunt and Donovan all having half chances to make the game safe. However, just before the break, the away side halved Thackley’s lead following a corner, Adam Priestley getting above the home defenders to head into the net. Justice was done a minute later, Grech-Brooksbank converting from close range. The half time score of 3-1, was a much fairer reflection of play than it would have been had the Thackley skipper not completed his hat trick.

Half time: Thackley 3 Knaresborough Town 1.

It took a little time for the game to get back to the pace of the first half. Thackley had a couple of half chances before Knaresborough started to show a presence in the game. The away side had the ball in the net on the hour but the goal was ruled out for offside. Thackley immediately hit back, Donovan winning a corner from which Joe Mitchell’s shot was blocked. Mid way through the second half, Thackley made their only substitution of the game, Ben Bodle coming on for Lewis Gardner. As the game entered the final quarter, Knaresborough started to come more into it and the Thackley defence were having to work hard to counter their attacks. Matt Dempsey was shown a red card for a bit of pushing as the ball went out for a throw in. Thackley’s defence started to come under pressure. Some last ditch defending, a couple of blocks and a Luke Wilson save ensured Thackley maintained their two goal lead. There was a sigh of relief when the final whistle was blown and Thackley had made it four wins in a row.

Full time: Thackley 3 Knaresborough 1

Thackley looked well in control throughout the first half, skipper Ben Grech-Brooksbank, who did a great job in leading the line, scored a well deserved hat trick. Although the second half started well for the home side, Knaresborough grew into the game in the final quarter and caused problems for Thackley’s resolute defence. The three points have lifted Thackley into second place in the table.

Another home game next Saturday, Hallam, currently fifth in the table, are likely to pose a few more problems than today’s visitors.

Thackley team: Wilson, Everingham; Gardner (Bodle 64 mins); Morrissey; Hudson; Parsons; Donovan; Mitchell; Grech-Brooksbank ©; Hunt; Ahmed. Unused subs: Krubally; Holcombe; Dempsey; Bako.

Knaresborough Town team: Brown ©; Pilkington; Larter; Thewlis; Milson; Beaston; Wilson; Lazenby; Priestley; Bedford; Walker. Subs: Stewart; Parkes; Ingham; McDaid; Steers.

Thackley scorer: Ben Grech-Brooksbank 4. 21 and 45 mins.

Knaresborough Town scorer: Adam Priestley 45 mins.

Attendance: 207

Referee: Mark Findley

Thackley MOM: Ben Grech-Brooksbank

Photo shows Ben Grech-Brooksbank with the match ball after the game receiving the MOM award from Sean Clifford of match sponsor Torus Construction Group Ltd.