Thackley travelled for Tuesday’s game to Worksop, Sandy Lane, to take on Handsworth Parramore in what could be described as a ‘six pointer’. The Amber Parras were four points adrift of the Dennyboys but had played a game less; both teams are battling to finish in at least fourth position in the league. With Luke O’Brien not available, Thackley made just one change to the side that started against Armthorpe at the weekend, Kris Hargreaves taking his place at the back. Unlike in recent weeks the pitch looked pretty hard having dried out; it was some time since Thackley had played on a firm surface.

The game started at a very fast pace, both sides looking to push forward, Ryan Farrell had a shot saved by Gary Stevens in the opening minute before Danny Buttle fired wide across goal. On ten minutes the home side had the first real chance of the night, Joe Thornton getting clear of the defence, Thackley keeper Luke Wilson came out to save. A minute later, Thackley had what looked like a good penalty appeal turned down when Farrell was brought down in the box but the referee saw things differently. Stevens was then called on to make a good save, again Farrell was the player involved having been put through by Dan Broadbent. Thackley were using their wide men to push forward, Farrell getting quite a lot of room on the right. Handsworth on the other hand were looking to play the ball long for their two speedy strikers, Thornton and Aaron Moxam, to get clear. The Thackley defence was holding its line and they were caught off side on a number of occasions. It was a close game, McGuire saw his shot sail over following a George Eustance pullback and Kris Hargreaves had a run down the left, his shot hitting the side netting. Five minutes before the break Handsworth missed an opportunity to go in front, it followed a corner on the left, Thornton heading over from just a yard out. Dan Broadbent saw his free kick from just outside the box go wide before the referee brought an end to the first forty five minutes.

Half time: Handsworth Parramore 0 Thackley 0.

Six minutes into the second half the home side went in front, it came from a soft free kick given away at the edge of the box, Harry Bamforth knocked the ball to the far post, with no defender able to intercept, it was left to Will Eades to head in from close range. Thackley tried to hit back but the home defence were restricting their efforts. Both Farrell and Broadbent had shots go wide and Mike Garrod’s long throws were causing a few problems but Thackley were unable to test Stevens. Moxam had the ball in the net mid way through the half but he had strayed offside, he then went close with his head. Eustance made way for Matt Broadley as Thackley went looking for the equaliser. Paul Whiteley came closest to getting the Dennyboys back on level terms with five minutes to go, his deflected shot going narrowly wide, Hargreaves headed over from the resultant corner. Try as they might, Thackley were unable to get a good strike on goal and Handsworth held onto their one goal lead.

Full time: Handsworth Parramore 1 Thackley 0.

Other than the opening ten minutes or so, defences were on top throughout this match. Thackley have had trouble defending set pieces this season and a free kick on the edge of the box proved their undoing in this match. Overall, I believe, the Dennyboys deserved at least a point from the game; the result now puts Handsworth in the driving seat for fourth spot.

Thackley are on the road again on Saturday when they travel to Inkersall Road to take on Staveley, the two teams played out a goalless draw when they met earlier this season at Dennyfield.

Handsworth Parramore team: Stevens; Ludlam; Tootle; Bamforth; Macarthy; Eades; Hands; Warne (C); Moxam (Dunne); Thornton; Buttle (Smythe). Subs not used: Froggatt; Khalifa; Pollard.

Thackley team: Wilson; Bentham; Hargreaves; McGuire (C); White; Snowden; Farrell; Whiteley; Garrod; Broadbent; Eustance (Broadley 78 mins). Subs not used: Patterson; Brown.

Handsworth Parramore scorer: Will Eades 51 mins.

Attendance: 111.

Referee: Paul Beck.