Following Saturday’s away point at Maltby, Thackley travelled to Cannon Park to take on Retford United for the second time this season. The Dennyboys had scored five first half goals against the Badgers in the reverse encounter in August, they would be hoping to grab a win and continue their three match unbeaten run. Jordan Rouse and Josh Snowden were available and returned to the defence in place of Rob Foulds and Liam Hudson who has left the club to join Eccleshill. The start was delayed for some fifteen minutes due to the late arrival of some of the home team players.

Thackley were somewhat gifted their first goal on eight minutes. Home keeper, Adam Valente deciding to play a short ball out for the second time in as many minutes, Dan Broadbent intercepted and with the goal at his mercy was hacked down in the box by Retford’s captain Keith Melvin. The home defender was yellow carded for the challenge and Ryan Farrell dispatched the perfect spot kick to give the Dennyboys an early lead. Play was end to end, Retford looking to play the ball long, whilst Thackley were playing some nice stuff when they got the ball down on the floor. They created a half chance on fifteen minutes, Pat McGuire’s free kick headed back across goal, the stretching Kris Hargreaves put the ball wide at the far post. Retford fired in a number of long range shots that never troubled Matt Convey, whilst Thackley’s wide pair of Ryan Farrell and George Eustance were providing crosses that no one got to. There were very few chances being created, both defences were on top, with neither goalkeeper being called on to make a save of note. Dan Murray came closest to levelling the scores, his header back across goal going narrowly wide just before the break. Hargreaves picked up a yellow card for a clumsy tackle before the referee called time on the first half.

Half time: Retford United 0 Thackley 1.

Thackley took control of the game in the second half but, like the first, chances were at a premium. Thackley looked most dangerous from set pieces and Jerry White headed wide from a McGuire corner. The Thackley goal had a bit of a let off on sixty two minutes, Danny Vincent’s long range effort nearly catching Convey out but it rattled the crossbar. Mid way through the half the Dennyboys were unlucky not to increase their lead. Broadbent with a diving header was just wide following a great Farrell cross, then Broadbent and McGuire had shots blocked, the latter’s deflecting upwards, Bentham got his head to the ball but directed it straight at Valente. Ben Joyce replaced Bentham and it was the substitute that was responsible for Thackley’s second goal. Breaking clear in the box, he was tripped by the already booked Melvin, the referee awarded a penalty and the Retford skipper his second yellow card. Farrell made no mistake with another well taken spot kick. Paul Whiteley came on for Broadbent in the closing minutes but by then the game was won.

Full time: Retford United 0 Thackley 2.

Another hard earned three points which lifts the Dennyboys up to third in the league. It was not the prettiest game of football you will see this season but a competent performance from Thackley, particularly in the second half.

Harrogate Railway are the visitors to Dennyfield on Saturday, the Rail are currently languishing near the foot of the table which gives Thackley a reasonable chance of continuing their unbeaten run.

Retford United team: Valente; Wyld; Shaw (Walters); O’Connor (Shannon); Melvin (C); Pauley; Dear (Lucas); Vincent; Sultan; Murray; Done. Subs not used: Wilson; Davies.

Thackley team: Convey;Rouse; Hargreaves; McGuire (C); White; Snowden; Farrell; Howe; Broadbent (Whiteley 87 mins); Bentham (Joyce 74 mins); Eustance. Subs not used: Foulds; Scott.

Thackley scorer: Ryan Farrell 8 and 84 mins (both pens).

Attendance: 94.

Referee: Kenwyn Hughes.

Photo: Ryan Farrell scorer of two penalties.