IT was a bizarre week for the Dennyboys after they beat Clipstone last Saturday.

But the three points they earned for the 2-1 win were taken away the day after when their Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier Division counterparts resigned from the league.

Chris Reape’s side were also due to be robbed of the three points from Clipstone’s visit to Dennyfield on the opening day of the league season, which would have seen Thackley drop from third to fourth in the table and lose ground on some of their rivals.

But by Tuesday, Clipstone contacted the league and asked them to rescind their resignation. Thackley committeeman Mick Lodge said, “It was a strange interlude to say the least.

“It was a bolt out of the blue when we heard that they had resigned. There was no hint that they were having any problems when we played them. They had a good team, a full bench, management and coaching staff, committee men and a full compliment of volunteers.

“The half-time hospitality was very good and there was a really pleasant atmosphere, they weren’t too happy about the result but that’s to be expected. I know their secretary, he’s been around a few clubs and we’ve always got along, and he was his usual chatty self.”

Clipstone were 12th before last weekend. They are managed by former Thackley boss Billy Fox and are enjoying a solid period.

That is why the initial news came as such a surprise, but Lodge feels that their immediate about face was just as startling.

“Once the shock had gone the first reaction was how sad it was for the club because we’ve all had difficult times," Lodge said.

“The loss of six points didn’t really come into it. Clipstone is a good club well run by nice people and Billy (Fox) had remembered all the faces and last Saturday was like an old boys’ reunion so we just felt disappointed for them.

“Then they rescinded it just days later, we heard on the grapevine that they told the league it was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction after their chairman and a few of the committee had walked away.

“It’s good that we haven’t lost the six points, I think that would have been tough on us given the season we’re having, but I’m more pleased that the club is back, seemingly willing and able to fulfil their fixtures this season and continue in the future.”