In the three weeks since Danny Forrest’s side secured a remarkable 4-0 win away at Golcar United, the weather conditions have heavily disrupted the team’s momentum, with games against Goole AFC and Winterton Rangers succumbing to the snow and ice of recent weeks.

However, the improved outlook has left the team with a trip to Manse Lane to now open the new year, with the hope that the disruption won’t affect their momentum, with the team looking to make it 6 straight league victories in a row.

Three weeks have passed since the last fixture which saw a goal from the Captain Ben Grech-Brooksbank and a hat trick from Finn Donovan defeat the then league leaders to go joint top of the NCEL Premier Division. Due to games taking place elsewhere, the Dennyboys come into the game in third position and with the current most goals scored with 61 goals after 25 games.

The Opposition

Hosting the Dennyboys are Knaresborough Town, who have had to endure a difficult season so far in the NCEL Premier Division, with the team currently sat in 18th and just above the dreaded relegation zone.

This is in a stark contrast to last season, which saw them finish eighth in the division, whilst they also managed a run to the final of the West Riding County Cup that included a semi-final upset against Northern Premier League Premier Divison outfit Guiseley AFC, before being defeated 4-0 by NPL Division One East club Pontefract Collieries in the final.

This season’s competition was much less successful, with Knaresborough being defeated on penalties by Albion Sports in the first round.

The club’s league position is reflected by a lack of significant or notable results (and the team having by far the most draws in the division with 9 drawn games so far), though there has been the occasional highlight, with results such as a 4-0 victory over local rivals Tadcaster Albion and a 3-1 triumph against play-off chasing Handsworth providing some moments of joy, whilst there was also a very respectable 2-2 draw against Hallam FC.

Narrow margins have been a theme in many of the side’s defeats, with them managing to run the likes of Silsden AFC and Beverley Town to the limit, whilst also suffering an unexpected but also very narrow loss to the league’s bottom side Goole AFC.

Despite their position in the table, Knaresborough do have an ability to net plenty of goals, with their top goal scorer in all competitions being Adam Priestley, whose tally for the season stands at 13.

Previous Meetings:

This encounter between Knaresborough and Thackley will be this season’s second following the reverse fixture at the Meridian Stadium at Dennyfield that saw a hat-trick from Ben Grech-Brooksbank seal a 3-1 victory for the Dennyboys.

The previous meeting at Manse Lane was just as successful, with goals from Grech-Brooksbank and Finn Donovan helping the team pick up a 2-0 victory.

Ground Description:

Nestled on the outskirts of the town, Manse Lane is a very open ground that has a current capacity of 1,000, with a covered total of 137, with 37 of these being seated.

The ground also has a clubhouse and a catering outlet that serve a selection of refreshments.

Ground Directions:

From West/South Leeds Area: A658 or A61 towards Harrogate. Join A658 southern bypass towards York. At roundabout with B6164, turn left to Knaresborough. Turn left at second roundabout and travel over river bridge. Manse Lane is first on right alongside garage; From East Leeds Area: A58 or A1 to Wetherby. Join B6164 to Knaresborough then as above. From East on A59 from A1: Turn right at first roundabout. Manse Lane is first turn left after speed restriction sign.

(Ground Directions Credit: NCEL Website)

Admission Prices:

Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under-16s: Free
Dogs allowed on a lead

(Admission Prices Credit: NCEL Website)