And then there were none!

Thackley and neighbours Albion Sports set the standard at the start of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division season.

The two clubs matched one another for league victories, with no defeats and not even any draws.

Something had to give the midweek before last when Albion hosted the Dennyboys, and it was the home side’s record that was broken.

After five straight victories Albion lost, and how – 5-1 – to their rivals.

Thackley’s brimming confidence was soon quashed, however, as their blemish-free record was besmirched the next game.

The Dennyboys had a free Saturday last weekend but journeyed to Tadcaster Albion for a top-four clash on Tuesday and came back with their tails between their legs following a 2-0 defeat.

Committeeman and former club treasurer Steve Paley said: “We had three main men out with Matt Mathers, Nicky Matthews and Matt Morgan all unavailable – but that wasn’t the reason we lost.

"We were just off the pace. It was a scrappy game and a scrappy performance from our point of view.

“It does make it more difficult when players are missing but Lee (Clapham) and Dave (Morgan) have put a good squad together and have them very well prepared.

“The fitness of the lads is really good but, you are going to get games when everything goes wrong, and Tuesday was one of those.”