It was second from top against second from bottom when Thackley took on Barton Town Old Boys at Dennyfield on Saturday. The home side were just three points off top spot, a win would make them joint leaders, whilst the Swans had just one league victory after playing nineteen matches. It was a banana skin fixture for Thackley, there must be no room for complacency. Thackley made just one change from the side that beat Rainworth last weekend, the unavailable Craig Bentham being replaced by new signing Luke O’Brien, in a reshuffled defence.

Thackley took just seven minutes to make the breakthrough, Chris Wademan getting clear before putting the ball past the advancing Pat Weaver. The home side continued to press and it was no surprise when Pat McGuire put the Dennyboys two up in the twelfth minute. A short corner, the Thackley skipper got the ball and thundered it through a packed defence into the net. Thackley continued to press and numerous chances were made but not taken. Gradually, Barton began to realise they were still in the match and came more into the game. However, when half time arrived, it was rather surprising that Thackley were not more than a couple of goals in front.

Half time: Thackley 2 Barton Town Old Boys 0.

Barton were more of a force in the second half but Thackley were still creating chances which they failed to convert. The Dennyboys made changes just after the hour in an attempt to revitalise the attack and make the game safe, Joe Brown and Ben Joyce replaced by Dan Broadbent and Ryan Farrell. It was Barton, however, who got the next goal; substitute Jonathan O’Callaghan beating Luke Wilson to give the away side a chance of getting something from the game. Ten minutes later, Wademan made the game safe for the Dennyboys and the home spectators could start to breathe easy again. Thackley held onto their two goal advantage until time was called.

Thackley 3 Barton Town Old Boys 1.

Thackley should have been home and dry before the break but they did not make the most of their chances. Barton for their part always tried to play football. There was a ten minute period in the second half when it looked like Thackley may rue their missed chances. The third goal settled any nerves and Thackley deserved the three points.

A much tougher game is envisaged when Thackley take on local rivals Liversedge on Tuesday night in a top of the table tussle.

Thackley team: Wilson; Rouse; O’Brien; McGuire (C); Hargreaves; Snowden; Joyce (Farrell 65 mins); Whiteley; Wademan; Brown (Broadbent 65 mins); Eustance. Subs not used: Scott; White.

Barton Town OB team: Weaver; Bruce; Nichols; Williamson; OMalley (C); Fairhurst; Wood (O’Callaghan); Rogerson; Nichols (C Richardson); Waudby; Petch (A Richardson). Subs not used: Fisher; Foot.

Thackley scorers: Chris Wademan 7 and 83 mins; Pat McGuire 12 mins.

Barton Town OB scorer: Jonathan O’Callaghan 73 mins.

Attendance: 106.

Referee: Paul Tomes.

Photo: Pat McGuire receiving The Terrace (Saltaire) MOM award from last season's supporter of the year Chris Wood.