It’s ‘Derby’ Day on Saturday when Thackley take on local rivals Liversedge at the Clayborn Ground. League positions could not be closer between the two, both have seventeen points, however, Thackley have a couple of games in hand and a better goal difference. Sedge accumulated nine points from their opening three league games and looked to be heading for a successful season. However, the wheels seemed to come off a bit after that but they have recovered somewhat with a couple of victories, Albion Sports and Harrogate Railway, in November. Last weekend’s game against Goole was postponed due to ground conditions but the previous Saturday they suffered a 6-0 home defeat against Eccleshill. In spite of their lowly position in the table Liversedge have one of the league’s top scorers in Joe Walton with 16 goals so far this season.

Like Thackley, Sedge were founder members of the NCEL, moving into the Premier Division in 1991. The two teams have faced each other on many occasions and without checking all the records I am not sure who has the overall bragging rights. All I know is that games between the two sides are always fiercely competitive. Last year Thackley took four of the six points on offer, the Dennyboys winning at Clayborn and the scores finishing level at the Mitton Group Stadium at Dennyfield.

Thackley went throughout November without defeat in the league but slipped up in the first game of December at home to Handsworth. However, last Saturday they turned in a star studded performance against an in form Bridlington side, coming away from Queensgate with a four nil victory. Not many teams will do that this season! This Saturday is a ‘derby’ game and past and present form goes out of the window in these sorts of game. Another performance similar to last weekend would give the Dennyboys the chance of getting all three points but anything less and they could be returning empty handed.

Saturday will be another hotly contested game, no quarter asked nor given, both sides will be giving their all.