Thackley 0 Handsworth 1 - Match Report & Programme

Thackley returned to the ‘Thank You Key Workers Stadium’ on Saturday after their mid week victory at Albion hoping to extend their four game unbeaten run. Their opponents were Handsworth, a team that Thackley had found hard to beat in the past, it was 2016 when they last managed to get all three points from the Ambers. Thackley made just one change from the starting eleven on Wednesday night, striker Chris Lever had broken his hand in that game, Lewis Waddington his replacement, Owen Murphy was switched to lead the attack.

From the start the game was an end to end affair, both sides playing some good football and creating chances. It was Thackley that created the first opportunity, Ben Grech-Brooksbank firing just wide. The away side went close minutes later, Mitchell Dunne, who looked very dangerous on the ball, shot over. Ben Townsend saved from Grech-Brookbank, it was a very open game. Mid way through the half Thackley had a good chance to open the scoring, Owen Murphy capitalising but his shot, from a tight angle, was inches wide of the far post. Alex Marsh picked up a harsh booking for a minor foul on Dunne, some of the referee’s decisions seemed to be very much influenced by the away dugout. Townsend made a couple of saves in quick succession following a corner before Thomas Roebuck received a yellow card for a pull back on Lewis Waddington as he threatened to break clear. Grech-Brooksbank twice brought saves from Townsend from free kicks, the second of which the away keeper fell behind the line but the referee adjudged that he had been fouled. Thackley went very close to scoring seconds later, Waddington lifting the ball over Townend after being put clear by Murphy, the ball hit the underside of the bar before dropping to safety. A couple of minutes later Thackley fell behind. The goal came from a corner following a Wilson save at the near post, Sam Smith heading in from the resultant kick. Thackley could feel hard done by going into the break a goal down.

Half time: Thackley 0 Handsworth 1.

Thackley come out and took control of the second half, Albert Ibrahimi tested Townsend with a shot, Thackley were knocking the ball about well but play tended to break down at the edge of the box. Loz Hunter picked up Thackley’s second yellow card before Frankie Sinfield replaced skipper Paul Whiteley, who looked to have picked up a bit of an injury. Waddington got his head to a Marsh cross but the ball just cleared the bar. As the game entered the final fifteen minutes, Thackley exerted some extra pressure, a Waddington cross in front of goal, an Ibrahimi shot going narrowly wide, plenty of effort but the ball was just not falling for the home side. Smith picked up the away side’s second caution with a cynical challenge on Grech-Brooksbank before time was called on proceedings. For all their possession and chances Thackley had nothing to show for their efforts.

Full time: Thackley 0 Handsworth 1.

A very entertaining game, end to end, plenty of chances and some good football to boot. Thackley deserved to get something out of the game, their build up play was a joy to watch.

A bit of respite from league action on Tuesday night when Thackley travel to Goole in the West Riding County Cup.

Thackley team: Wilson; Marsh; Hunter; Whiteley © (Sinfield 69 mins); Haigh; Hargreaves; Waddington; Jackson; Murphy; Grech-Brooksbank; Ibrahimi. Unused subs: Muller; Vinten; Terrelonge-Jones; Poole.

Handsworth team: Townsend ©; Fewkes; Tootle; Phillips; Roebuck; Harrison; Lonchar; Reece; Smith; Howarth; Dunne. Subs: Paylor; Oliver; Mackie; Gascoigne; Bacon.

Handsworth scorer: Sam Smith 43 mins.

Attendance: 128.

Photo: The Terrace (Saltaire) MOM - Will Jackson with Club President Stewart Willingham.

Referee: Louis Stamp.