Match Preview

Match preview by Joshua Birkin

Thackley AFC make the short trip to the 1st GlassUK Stadium at Scotchman Road this weekend for a crucial Bradford derby against Campion AFC.

The postponement of the original fixture just over ten days ago has meant that the play-offs are now mathematically impossible for the Dennyboys as Albion Sports found a narrow 2-1 victory on that day to put the 5th spot out of our reach, with Penistone Church also hoping to pip Albion Sports to that 5th place with their games in hand. However, that still doesn’t take from what has been a positive season which has exceeded hopes and expectations and which the Dennyboys remained in the promotion push for large parts of the season. None the less, Thackley AFC will still be hoping to make it three wins in a row and end the season strongly before they hopefully travel to Sandygate at the weekend for the five-time rearranged fixture against Hallam FC.

Thackley AFC come into this one have lost just once on their last five games, a run that includes two clean sheets and a five-star performance at home to knaresborough Town. Most recently however, Thackley AFC were able to find victory over Frickley AFC in the last home match at Dennyfield in the season. Thackley AFC took a 2-0 lead in at the break before they kept their cool in the second half depsite an early Frickley Athletic goal and managed the game to the final whistle to claim a 2-1 victory. Grech-Brooksbank gave the Dennyboys an early lead two minutes and Donovan then deservedly doubled the lead on 37 minutes. A Morgan James goal and a Thackley red card was not enough to stop Thackley AFC holding on for successive victories for the first time since January.

Squad availability sees Matty Dempsey return to contention following his 2 match suspension, but Green’s season is now over after his red card and he serves a suspension of his own. Prata who has re-signed for the Club is also in contention for the game. Thackley AFC March 2024 Player of the Month and Captain Ben Grech-Brooksbank will be looking to add to his tally of 3 goals in 3 games as he has returned to the starting lineup following long term injury.

Campion AFC have had their form rocked as of late however were dominant in a strong 4-1 victory over Albion Sports last time out. Despite dominating throughout the high Campion defensive line still came under pressure early on as Ash Flynn raced through on goal early and made no mistake while one-on-one with Emmerson. Campion equalized on 15 minutes with a Sykes header with Sykes and Boshell being dangerous from Campion’s long throws into the box. Sykes would go on to complete a hat trick and Boshell would also notch as Campion AFC won the game comfortably.

Boshell has contributed eight goals in 24 appearances this season however is key in contributing to ‘The Red and Blacks’ free flowing football going forwards supported by the 21 goals of Sykes. However, neither have yet been able to match the incredible record of Marcus Day who found the net 23 times in 21 games before joining NCEL Division One side Shirebrook Town for an ‘undisclosed fee’ in November.
As always all support will be much appreciated at the 1st Glass UK stadium where entry will be £6 for adults; £3 for concessions.