Handsworth Parramore made the trip to Dennyfield on Tuesday night for Thackley’s ninth home league game of the season. The Ambers Parras were one of the favourites for promotion at the start of the season and were on a six match unbeaten run in the league. Add to this that Thackley had never beaten them in a league game; the Dennyboys were in for a tough night. Six players were unavailable and with three enforced changes from Saturday, it gave an opportunity for new signing Chris Wademan to make his debut and lead the attack.

Thackley started on the front foot and on two minutes could easily have gone ahead. George Eustance outpaced Ben Starosta down the left, he pulled the ball back to Chris Wademan but his shot was blocked. Five minutes later, another let off for the away side, Pat McGuire knocked a corner back to the far post, Ben Joyce got his head to the ball but it was deflected wide. Joseph Green prevented the Parras going behind just before the quarter hour, doing well to push Craig Bentham’s shot over after Wademan had laid the ball back into his path. Against the run of play, and with their first real attack of note, Handsworth took the lead. Ex Thackley wide man, Tom Dugdale crossed in front of goal and Jon Froggatt was on hand to turn the ball into the net. Green came to the Parras rescue once again, this time saving McGuire’s well struck shot at the second attempt. Thackley should have levelled the scores midway through the half, another good Eustance run down the left, the ball was pulled back to Wademan but again Green was the saviour, getting down at full stretch to push the Thackley striker’s low drive for a corner. Up to this point there had only really been one team in the match. Dan Clayton picked up a yellow card for a pull back before Matt Convey saved a Dugdale free kick with ease. Handsworth started to get a little more into the game as half time approached but the Thackley defence looked comfortable dealing with any threats. At the break, somehow, it was the away side that went in with a one goal lead.

Half time: Thackley 0 Handsworth Parramore 1.

Thackley were lucky not to fall two behind in the opening minutes of the second half, Luke Fletcher unleashing a full bloodied shot that shaved the post, the away side had come out looking to increase their lead. Ten minutes in and Eustance got clear down the left, he cut inside but his shot across goal was saved by Green. Both sides were looking for the next important goal and it was the Dennyboys that got it midway through the half. Just before they scored, Wademan had got clear of the defence but was hauled down; to everyone’s surprise referee Andy Smith waved for play to continue. However, justice was done a couple of minutes later when Wademan again picked up the ball before knocking it back to Bentham, it took a little time getting there but the Thackley midfield player somehow dribbled it over the line. Seven minutes later and Thackley were in front. Again it was Eustance that was clear, it looked as if he had taken the ball wide but Sam Denton decided to make sure he made no further progress and took his legs. The referee awarded a spot kick and Dan Clayton beat Green with a powerful shot. Both Aaron Moxam and Froggatt had half chances as the game edged towards the final minutes. In time added on, substitute Kieran Wells went close following a goalmouth scramble before Thackley could have got a third. Green decided to go up for a last ditch Handsworth corner, the ball was knocked out to Eustance with the keeper trying to get back to goal but he dwelt too long on the ball and his shot went wide. The Thackley defence held firm in the final minutes and the Dennyboys fully deserved to claim all three points.

Full time: Thackley 2 Handsworth Parramore 1.

In the first half, Handsworth had just one chance and took it, whilst Thackley had three or four; goalkeeper Green, making a number of good saves to ensure they kept the lead. In the second half justice was done, Thackley converting two of their chances. A really good all round performance from Matt Convey in goal throughout the team to George Eustance wide left, the win lifts the Dennyboys up to a lofty second position in the league.

Thackley will want to continue where they left off in this match when Staveley Miners Welfare visit Dennyfield on Saturday. The Trojans have lost just once in their last nine games, Thackley need to watch out for that Wooden Horse.

Thackley team: Convey; Rouse; Clayton; McGuire (C); Hargreaves; Snowden; Joyce; Whiteley; Wademan; Bentham; Eustance. Subs not used: Scott; Rodriguez; Patel; Wilson.

Handsworth Parramore team: Green; Starosta; Smythe; Fletcher (Lee); Denton; Eades; Harrison; Warne; Froggatt; Moxam: Dugdale (Wells). Subs not used: Tootle; Bamforth; Ratcliffe.

Thackley scorers: Craig Bentham 65 mins; Dan Clayton 72 mins (pen).

Handsworth Parramore scorer: Jon Froggatt 14 mins.

Attendance: 88.

Referee: Andy Smith.

Photo: Manager Chris Reape presenting The Terrace (Saltaire) Man of the Match award to George Eustance.