Thackley missed an opportunity to put distance between themselves and the relegation trapdoor in the Northern Counties East Premier Division when they were held to a home draw by Shirebrook Town last Saturday - but all is not lost.

The Dennyfield outfit traditionally play much better against clubs at the top end and Saturday's visitors are second-placed Glapwell. In fact, seven of Thackley's remaining eight fixtures are against top-eight clubs.

"Of the fixtures we have left, Glasshoughton Welfare is the only club below us and they are bottom - but it is never an easy place to go, so we take nothing for granted," said Thackley head coach John Boyle.

"The cynics will say we will struggle to pick up enough points to be safe but I really fancy us; not because we play better against the teams that like to play football but because of the performances we are putting in."

Glapwell will be keen to pick up points and close in on leaders Winterton Rangers in order to strengthen their bid for promotion to the UniBond League.

Of five clubs that applied to have their grounds graded in the hope of going up, Glapwell are one of just two still in the running.