Thackley hang on to take all three points – Garforth Town 1 Thackley 2

Thackley travelled to the far side of Leeds to take on Garforth Town on Tuesday night. Last season the original fixture had to be replayed because fog descended throughout the game. On Tuesday night the weather also posed a threat because we were told that storm was raging in Manchester and was heading our way. As the game began the sky was filled with lightning bolts and spasms of thunder but miraculously there were no further interruptions and the storm passed us by.

Garforth began the game brightly and pressed Thackley back on the defence. Convey, as he has been all season, was in commanding form in the Thackley goal and his handling from crosses and shots was reducing much of the risk that might have emanated from the Garforth pressure. After twelve minutes, with almost the first cohesive move that the visitors put together Thackley scored. Broadbent, who is so good at resisting defensive pressing, turned on the ball and laid it wide to the advancing Farrell. His early, crisp strike was beyond the keeper before he could deal with it. Garforth responded to this setback with more possession but did little to trouble the resolute Thackley defence. The storm was raging in the evening sky and a stiff wind was blowing down the ground in Garforth’s favour which added to Thackley’s defensive problems.
Half time: Garforth Town 0 Thackley 1

Amazingly the storm by-passed Garforth but it had been devastating in many other places. It also meant that the second half started with much calmer weather. Aodhan Brownlee, who was feeling unwell, was replaced at the outset by George Eustance. He immediately began to make an impression on the game by using his pace and control to trouble the Garforth defence. Thackley had more possession at this stage of the game and could have increased their lead with succession of half chances. Eventually they got the goal that their pressure deserved. Eustance was released on the left and he cut inside beat two despairing Garforth lunges and calmly stroked the ball past the advancing Garforth keeper. This was a signal for Garforth to launch a concerted series of attacks. Again Convey came to the fore dealing efficiently with shots and crosses that came his way. White and Snowden were also kept busy dealing with an energised Garforth attack but it was not really creating any clear cut chances. The worrying propensity to give the ball away cheaply was causing added problems for the defence which resulted in them pulling a goal back after eighty minutes when Thackley made a mess of a clearance and Simpson converted the chance. This made for an uncomfortable last ten minutes for Thackley. They struggled to retain possession, giving the ball away cheaply which resulted in increased Garforth pressure. It was with a certain feeling of relief when the referee’s whistle signalled the end of the game.

Three points for Thackley, their overall play just about earned them a victory. I am sure there will be times this season when Thackley will play better and lose. they have already done that at Cleethorpes.

Thackley team: Matt Convey, Rob Foulds, Kristian Hargreaves, Pat McGuire, Jerry White, Josh Snowden, Ryan Farrell, Declan Howe (Ben Joyce 59), Dan Broadbent, Craig Bentham, Aodhan Brownlee (George Eustance 46). Subs: Ben Joyce, Elliott Scott, George Eustance, Liam Hudson, Luke Wilson.
Thackley scorers: Ryan Farrell and George Eustance.