Match Preview

The Dennyboys welcome the Blues to Dennyfield tomorrow as Thackley AFC host Frickley Athletic in the final home game of the season.

Thackley come into the match in 6th place after 35 games played and still with a chance of the play offs, although other teams in and around have games in hand. There is little to no error for margin now though and tomorrow is therefore a vitally important game. Last time out Thackley put in a solid away performance with an impressive 2-0 victory against Knaresborough Town who had just been on a 5 game winning streak. Green was instrumental in midfield with two assists for goals for Grech-Brooksbank and Donovan in either half, and Parsons put in a towering performance at centre back with Dempsey (suspended), Morgan (ill) and Billy (slight knock) all unavailable to partner Hudson at the back. Dempsey will still be suspended after the Hallam FC match was again postponed on Thursday and he serves the final of his 2 game ban. It is hoped that one of or both of Morgan and Billy will be back to give further options to the Joint Management Team.

Frickley Athletic come into the match in 14th position after also playing 35 games and on 39 points. The visitors recently made the decision to change manager as former Thackley AFC Player and Manager Patrick McGuire departed the Club on 21 March 2024, with an interim management team of Luke Potter and Robert Tonks taking the helm. The Blues had started the season well and back in the reverse fixture on 11 November were 3-0 victors in a tight game but with late goals from Walker (67th min), Townrow (87th min) and Boocock (90th min) sealing the win. There has been only 2 wins in 20 league games since then which has seemingly resulted in the change being made. The two matches under the new interim management team has seen a 0-0 draw against Tadcaster Albion, a first league clean sheet in 20 games, and a 2-2 draw mid-week against Campion AFC in the League Cup Quarter Final, eventually losing out on penalties. No doubt the Blues will be expecting another big performance as well as they look to re-build in advance of next season. Danger men to look out for are former Thackley player Alhassane Keita who has 15 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions and striker Lloyd Smith who has 12 goals in 35 appearances. At the other end, former Thackley AFC goalkeeper Callum Bradbury has had a fine full debut season and has put in some impressive performances between the sticks.

Tomorrow we welcome a number of our sponsors for our annual "Sponsors Day" as we say thank you to everyone who has helped support the Club this season which has been very positive on and off the field. We also thank our Joint Match Sponsors Torus Construction & Ashbourne Plumbing Services and our Ball Sponsor The Ainsbury. After the match, all supporters, sponsors, players, volunteers and committee members are welcome to stay in Arthur's Bar as we have booked the Clubhouse to toast the season.

As always, entry to the match is £6 for Adults, £4 for Concessions and u16s Free with a paying adult. Arthur's Bar opens at 12.30pm and the Gates will open at 2pm.