After a two week lay off, Thackley were back in action on Saturday when they entertained Athersley Recreation at Dennyfield. The ‘Penguins’ had played in a mid week match against Staveley which had provided them with valuable game time, something that Thackley were lacking. The Dennyboys started with the same eleven that gained the victory over local rivals Liversedge in their last match, new signing Luke Robinson was on the bench.
Although there had been little rain in the previous few days the pitch was still very soft.

Thackley got the perfect start, going in front after just five minutes. In a well worked move involving George Eustance and Pat McGuire the ball was played out to Ryan Farrell, he cut inside before unleashing a shot across goal and into the net, it was a great strike. Five minutes later the Thackley goal had a lucky escape, Jack Briscoe’s shot hitting the foot of the post and rebounding to safety. Thackley were building their play from mid field. whilst Athersley were happy to knock the ball forward for top scorer Kai Hancock to chase. The away side’s striker was caught off side on a number of occasions as Thackley held their back line well. Chances were few, Craig Bentham got to a Farrell cross but his scuffed shot went wide before Kieran Scargill fired over after the ball had been laid back to him. On the half hour, Luke Wilson prevented the away side drawing level, Hancock timing his run to perfection to beat the offside trap but the Thackley keeper came out to save with his legs. A couple of long range efforts did not really create any problems for the keepers and the Dennyboys maintained their slender lead into the break.

Half time: Thackley 1 Athersley Recreation 0.

There had been little between the two sides in the first half and Athersley would be looking to get back into the game. However, Thackley had a good spell ten minutes into the second half, their two wide players, Farrell and Eustance causing problems for the away defence. They worked together to provide a cross which just eluded Bentham before both had goal bound efforts blocked by defenders. Adam Jones replaced Bentham on the hour before Dan Broadbent got his head to McGuire’s cross but the ball went wide. Athersley were now beginning to see more of the ball and Hancock was causing the home defenders problems. Sam Robinson came on for Broadbent and Matt Broadley replaced Eustance as the lack of game time was starting to tell on the Thackley players. Lee Garside twice went close, his first shot went over, his second was deflected wide for a corner. It was from this corner that they levelled the scores, Declan Welford getting his head to the ball and powering it in at the near post. Thackley could have gone back in front a couple of minutes later following a great run into the box by Luke O’Brien, his shot was deflected to Robinson but he put the ball over. McGuire picked up a booking late on as Thackley looked for the winner. Robinson’s shot was deflected for a corner and Kris Hargreaves saw his shot cleared off of the line from the resultant kick. It was not to be, Thackley were unable to register their seventh double of the season and the away side had earned at least a share of the points.

Full time: Thackley 1 Athersley Recreation 1.

After a couple of weeks without a game it was always going to be hard for the players to get their rhythm back. Athersley competed for every ball and made life difficult for Thackley, in the end a draw was probably a fair result.

Games come quick and fast, weather permitting that is, for now Thackley have seven matches in three weeks. They start with Bridlington Town on Tuesday night; they do not get much tougher than that.

Thackley team: Wilson; Hargreaves; O’Brien; McGuire (C); White; Snowden; Farrell; Whiteley; Broadbent (Sam Robinson 67 mins); Bentham (Jones 60 mins); Eustance (Broadley 77 mins). Subs not used: Luke Robinson; Janneh.

Athersley Recreation team: Burkinshaw; Welford; A White (C White); Kilburn (Shillitto); Copping: R White (C); Scargill; Briscoe (Hodgson); Hancock; Garside; Bebbington. Subs not used: Penn; Almond.

Thackley scorer: Ryan Farrell 5 mins.

Athersley Recreation scorer: Declan Welford 81 mins.

Attendance: 88.

Referee: Craig Buxton.

Photo: The Terrace (Saltaire) MOM Jerry White being presented with meal voucher by Raife Baxter - Junior member of Thackley's Surrey Supporters Club aka ' The Surrey Muppets'.