Match preview by Joshua Birkin

Following Tuesday night’s long trip to North Lincolnshire, Thackley AFC face a slightly shorter journey on Friday night for their first ‘Bradford Derby’ of the season against Silsden AFC.

‘The Cobbydalers’ started last season strongly and looked to be contenders for the title with a high-end budget, something that was rewarded when they reached the fourth round of the FA Vase. However, the side’s form fell away slightly through the winter months, which led to the departure of key players, most notably goalkeeper Kyle Trennerry, who departed to fellow Bradford side and play-off finalists Albion Sports. Despite this, Friday’s opponents appear to have turned a corner this season, with a 3-0 victory at home to last season’s second placed side Campion AFC. A first half goal from Kyle Price, was followed up by two late strikes from Brooksbank and Stewart. This was then followed up a week later by victory on the road against Liversedge in the FA Cup extra-preliminary round.

Most recently, ten-men Silsden were beaten away to a very strong looking Tadcaster Albion side. Who are one of just two teams, to take the maximum six points from their two league games so far this season. Among the substitutes on Tuesday for Silsden, was former Thackley joint manager Tom Greaves, who left the club, with our best wishes, in the summer. Greaves spent two seasons at Thackley, scoring over 40 goals and finishing as the club’s top goal scorer in both. Greaves will certainly need to be one that the Thackley defence need to watch with his physicality and intelligent play being a real problem for teams in this league.

Thackley on the other hand will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2-2 draw on the road to Bottesford Town on Tuesday night. Having taken a 2-0 lead early in the first half, thanks to a Josi Bradshaw strike low into the bottom corner. This was quickly followed up by a Finn Donovan shot which goalkeeper Graeme Anderson allowed to slip underneath his body and into the net. However, the game turned on 69 minutes, as Cunha followed up to head home after an original header that was well saved by Wilson. Nyantanou curled one into the bottom corner to draw the game back level ten minutes later. Despite being unable to find a winner, Thackley still maintained their unbeaten start to the season, which is enough to see them in fourth position in the table on four points.

The spoils were shared between the two sides last season, as Friday’s hosts came out on top, winning 2-1 at the Regal Interiors Stadium last August. Thackley gained revenge with a 2-0 victory at Dennyfield in the reverse encounter. Goals either side of the break from Donovan and Greaves went unanswered in that one, as the Dennyboys looked to cement their play-off position going into February and the final ten games of the season.

As always, all support would be much appreciated in Thackley's first derby of the season. Silsden will be hosting a family event starting from 6pm, with a junior curtain raiser; Happy Hour; BBQ; Live Music and bouncy castle before the main event at 7:45 pm. Entry is £7 for adults and £4 for concessions.