On Saturday, Thackley play their third successive home game at Dennyfield, when they face Sheffield based side Hallam. Like Thackley, Hallam were founder members of the NCEL, starting in the lower divisions, they have had a rather topsy turvy existence. During the forty two years the league has existed, they have won promotion to the Premier Division three times. Their latest promotion came at the end of the 2022 season when they finished as Division One Champions. Hallam currently sit in fifth spot in the table with fourteen points from their seven league games. Pickering Town are the only team to have taken three points from the Countrymen so far this season. In fact, they have only been defeated twice in the twelve league and cup games they have played this season. Their other defeat coming last weekend, when Farsley Celtic knocked them out of the FA Cup. That was their only defeat on their home ground this season. In their latest game, on Tuesday night, Hallam knocked Frickley Athletic out of the League Cup, winning 6-2. Surprisingly, they do not have a player amongst the league’s top scorers, even though they have scored thirty goals thus far.

Thackley and Hallam have met many times over the years as ‘The Countrymen’ have ‘popped into’ the top division. Since their return to the Premier Division in 2022, the two have met five times. In that first season, they met on three occasions, Hallam coming out on top in both league games but Thackley triumphed in the League Cup at Sandygate. Last season, Thackley took four points from the Countrymen, winning 3-2 at Dennyfield. The reverse fixture finished all square at 1-1.

Thackley come into the game on the back of four victories, sitting in a lofty second place in the table and in a good run of form. Since their exit from the FA Cup at Warrington Rylands, they have scored fourteen goals, whilst conceding just four. The pleasing thing about these games is that the results have come from an all round team performance, which has created many goal scoring opportunities. Saturday’s first half performance against Knaresborough, who came to Thackley unbeaten in their last three games, was dominant. They were rewarded with three goals from ‘Captain Fantastic’ Ben Grech-Brooksbank, who scored his first hat trick for the club. Thackley have increased their up front fire power this week with the signing of ex Eccleshill United striker Antony Brown from Penistone Church.

Saturday’s game is likely to be a close one, both teams are in a good run of form and both will be wanting to maintain their place in the top five.

Admission – Adults £6.00 – Concessions £4.00 – Under 16’s Free (if accompanied by an adult).

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