Ashington 1 Thackley 0

Thackley’s involvement in this season’s FA Vase came to a stuttering halt in the footballing hotbed of the north-east with a narrow defeat to Ashington.

The third-round tie was closely contested, with both clubs doing well in their respective leagues – which are the highest level for entrants to the competition.

Despite the wet weather in the days leading up to the tie, the Ashington pitch was in fine condition. That helped both clubs to play their natural game but it was the home side who bossed the first half.

The Dennyboys improved after the break but they were chasing the game by then as the home side had broken the deadlock just minutes before the interval. It was the game’s only goal but hardly a memorable one as Ashington skipper Andrew Johnson toe-poked the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “I thought it was a fair result but we had our chances to win it.

“Matt Convey made some good saves but their keeper played well too. We were better in the second half but our few chances were either scuffed or put just wide.

“But it is a very good club up there with really friendly and hospitable people so we wished them all the best in the next round. Shame it couldn’t have been us but we came up just a little short.”