Four of the area’s five non-league clubs were in friendly action at the weekend as they looked to up the pace with the new season beginning a week on Saturday.

Thackley hosted Yorkshire Amateur, from a tier below in the Baris Northern Counties East League League set-up, and ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Matt Hall set them on the way when he latched on to a through ball in the 12th minute and slid the ball home. Matt Mathers then netted early in the second half and Kris Hargreaves added the Dennyboys’ third just before the hour mark.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “It was a very entertaining game and Yorkshire Amateur used a lot of players.

“We created a lot but some efforts went just wide. Mathers also hit the post as well as scoring, so he looked sharp.

“Vinny (manager Brockie) had a look at a potential signing when he brought Archie Watson on in centre midfield for the second half. The pitch held up well, so it was a good day all round.”

BRIGHOUSE TOWN headed north for a testing game against FA Vase holders Dunston UTS and returned with a creditable 1-1 draw.

The Northern League outfit dominated the first half but had to wait until the last five minutes before breaking the deadlock. Stephen Goddard’s shot was deflected but the loose ball dropped to Andrew Bulford, who fired home from eight yards.

Town rallied and made a game of it after the break but they too had to be patient before their equaliser came on the hour. Substitute Jamie Arundel turned in the area and was fouled. Tom Matthews assumed penalty taking duties and made no mistake.

SILSDEN travelled to Pontefract Collieries, who are one of Yorkshire Amateur’s NCE League Division One rivals, and the Cobbydalers edged an entertaining game 3-2.

They took the lead through Mike Garrod in the tenth minute but were soon pegged back by a strike from James McDaid.

Joe Gaughan restored the Cobbydalers’ lead before the interval and Garrod added his second to make it 3-1 to the visitors. But Pontefract were not finished and James Hicks reduced the final deficit five minutes from time.