Worksop Town were the visitors to the Mitton Group Stadium at Dennyfield on Tuesday night for what was Thackley’s only home game in the whole of January. The Tigers had gone three games unbeaten but had not scored a goal in their two games of 2019. Luke Wilson was back for Thackley, as was Adam Muller and James Rothel who came in for Luke Robinson and Pat McGuire. Jack Normanton’s two goals on his debut had given him a starting place at the expense of Asa Mitchell.

It was a fast and furious start, both teams getting the ball forward early and the game going from end to end. Craig Mitchell headed over from a corner, Jack Normanton brought a near post save from David Reay and Lee Hill headed wide. Fifteen minutes in and Thackley went close to taking the lead, Normanton’s flick across goal going narrowly wide after good build up play from Dan Broadbent and Adam Muller. A couple of minutes later it was Normanton that put the Dennyboys in front, getting clear of the defence and slotting past the advancing Reay. Normanton fired wide before Matt Reay scythed down Muller to receive just a yellow card; the away side were certainly rattled. Reay saved from Normanton and a James Rothel effort was deflected wide, the Dennyboys were well on top. Alex Marsh denied Matt Sykes a shot at goal with a last ditch tackle before Thackley are unlucky not to go further ahead. Lawrance Hunter winning the ball in midfield and sending Normanton clear, he lifted the ball over the advancing keeper only for a defender to get back and clear off of the line. Just before the break Rothel fired wide following a corner, the Dennyboys were certainly good value for their first half lead.

Half time: Thackley 1 Worksop Town 0.

It was a different Worksop that came out for the second half. They pressed from the off and Luke Wilson saved from Steve Woolley before Steve McDonnell saw his shot shave the bar. Ten minutes in and the away side levelled the scores, Mitchell heading Kyle Jordan’s cross in off of the post. Jerry White and Danny Patterson both picked up yellow cards for a spot of pushing before Wilson kept the scores level with a couple of great saves, both from the lively Sykes. Thackley made a double substitution, Pat McGuire and Ryan Basi coming on for Kieran Thompson and Rothel. The Dennyboys go three at the back. Although the Thackley defence is under some pressure they still look dangerous when they break forward and Normanton has a great chance to give them the lead. Outpacing the defence he gets clear, rounds Reay but puts the ball wide (was it the famous Thackley bobble). Asa Michell replaces Muller, his first touch is to cross in front of goal, Broadbent tries to force the ball home at the far post but it goes just wide. Hunter scoops a dangerous looking cross from the line before the away side are awarded a penalty. Thackley, pushing forward, get caught out; Kris Hargreaves seems to get something on the ball as he tackles Sykes but the Worksop forward goes over. Sykes gets up to convert. Thackley go looking for the equaliser and are left short at the back, a defensive clearance puts Sykes clear and he strokes the ball past Wilson. Michael Trench picks up a yellow card for a reckless challenge before White heads over following a corner. Worksop finish up with all three points, was it the proverbial game of two halves?

Full time: Thackley 1 Worksop Town 3.

Thackley played some good stuff in the first half and could have been two or three in front with a bit of luck. Worksop came out for the second half and pressurised the home defence which again held firm until late on, this after Thackley had a couple of good chances to increase their lead.

An away trip on Saturday, how novel for Thackley this month, Garforth are four points better off than the Dennyboys but have played a game more. A performances like the first half in this game and there is a good chance of them returning with all three points.

Thackley: Wilson: Marsh; Hunter; Whiteley (C); Hargreaves; White; Rothel (Basi 77mins); Broadbent; Muller (Mitchell 80 mins); Thompson (McGuire 77 mins); Normanton. Subs not used: Robinson;T Storey.

Worksop Town: D Reay; Atherton; Hill (Trench); Woolley; M Reay; Wankiewicz; McDonnell; Patterson (C); Mitchell (Ward); Jordan (Brunt); Sykes. Subs not used: Royles; Pemberton.

Thackley scorer: Jack Normanton 18 mins.

Worksop Town scorers: Craig Mitchell 54 mins; Matthew Sykes 85 (pen) and 89 mins.

Attendance: 171.

Referee: Lewis Dawson.

Photo: Jack Normanton receiving 'The Terrace (Saltaire) MOM award from Joe Brown.