Thackley return to cup action on Tuesday when they welcome Ilkley Town to Dennyfield for the first ever competitive meeting between the two sides. In footballing terms, Ilkley are relative new comers to the football scene, being founded in 1995. They joined the West Yorkshire League in 2004 and were promoted to Division One North of the North West Counties League in 2021. ‘The Baht’atters’, as they are known for obvious reasons, were transferred across to the NCEL at the beginning of this season. They have had a positive start to their first season in the First Division, winning five of their eight games, which puts them sixth in the table on fifteen points. They beat Swallownest in the opening round of the League Cup to progress to play Thackley. Ilkley had no game this weekend, in their last game, the previous Saturday, they lost 3-1 at home to Wakefield. Ilkley have two strikers amongst the First Division’s leading scorers, Kevin Gonzalez with seven goals and Toby Marriott with six.

There have been pre season friendlies between the two in the past, the latest of which was in preparation for the current season. This was played at Ilkley and Thackley came out on top 4-1 on the day, with goals from Josi Bradshaw, Ben Bodle and two from Jake Holcombe.

Thackley return to Dennyfield after three away games, the first of which was the defeat at Warrington in the FA Cup. A disappointing result but matching the higher level opposition for eighty minutes of the game was a positive for the team. The following two league games showed Thackley at their best, with comprehensive wins at both Goole and at Winterton on Saturday. Thackley completely dominated both games and the scores in no way reflected their superiority. The six points from those two games lifted them into a lofty third place in the table and continued Thackley’s good start to the season. Confidence should be high going into this game but teams from the lower division often lift their game when playing higher level teams. No place for complacency, this could be a banana skin game.

This is an all pay cup tie - adults £6 and concessions £4.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dennyfield – All support is appreciated.