Following last week’s victory over Frickley Athletic that saw two late goals and plenty of excitement in horrendous weather conditions, this game offers the best opportunity for the team to continue their current wave of momentum (and hopefully play a game in some better conditions than we’ve seen recently!).

Antony Brown and Matty Dempsey missed out last time out with both unwell, but both expected to be back tomorrow. With a mostly fit team to pick from, Danny Forrest undoubtedly intends to field his strongest possible team for what is perhaps the biggest game of the season so far. Lewis Gardner remains a long term absentee.

The Opposition:

Golcar United have enjoyed an excellent campaign so far in the NCEL Premier Division that has seen them gain the honour of being the league leaders at Christmas.

This run has seen the team pick up some impressive results throughout the season, these including a 6-0 victory over Winterton Rangers, a 4-2 victory over Frickley Athletic and a 2-1 victory over Tadcaster Albion that did a lot to showcase the character of the team, with them being pegged back in the 72nd minute before retaking the lead just three minutes later.

However, a key point heading into this fixture will be Golcar’s struggles against the other top teams in the league, with them failing to defeat the likes of Albion Sports, Beverley Town and most notably, second placed Silsden AFC, who they have lost to twice.

Crucially though, one of the teams they have defeated amongst the challengers is Thackley, in the league with a late goal, albeit Thackley took the bragging rights in the FA Cup.

As expected with for the team that sits at the top of the table, there is a real talent for goal scoring within the team, but currently leading the goal scoring charts is George Doyle, who has managed to score a very respectable 18 goals in all competitions this season.

Alfie Wilkinson and Callum Petch have also made their mark with tallies in all competitions of 11 and 10 goals respectively.

Previous Meetings:

Golcar and Thackley have met twice already this season, with an early season Emirates FA Cup encounter at Skye Direct Stadium being decided by a Ben Grech-Brooksbank goal to give the visitors a 1-0 win and progression to the competition’s Preliminary Round.

Golcar would get their revenge at Dennyfield later in August, with George Doyle’s late goal confirming a 2-1 victory on the day, in a game which Thackley arguably edged and a draw would have been a more than fair result.

Ground Description:

Golcar’s Skye Direct Stadium has seen plenty of enhancements in recent years, with the installation of both floodlights and a 100 capacity seated stand since the club’s promotion into the pyramid.

There are also other covered areas should the conditions be far from ideal, whilst there is also a clubhouse and catering facilities that offer an array of refreshments.

Ground Directions:

(Directions from Huddersfield Town Centre)

A62 Manchester Road to Milnsbridge. Left up Scar Lane, right on Sycamore Avenue, left into Longfield Avenue. From M62 J23:Take New Hey Road to Town Centre, then directions as above. Parking: On site or at local British Legion (Approx. 5 mins walk - 238 Scar Lane, Golcar, Huddersfield HD7 4AU)

(Directions Credit: NCEL Website)

Admission Prices:

Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Dogs allowed on a lead