THACKLEY’S playing fortunes appear to be on the up – even though the club’s coffers remain stretched.

At the start of January they were 17th in the Toostation Northern Counties East Premier Division table and wondering where their next point was coming from.

They also suffered substantial damage to their ground.

They were at their lowest ebb but things quickly turned around.

The cost of the ground repairs was covered by insurance, Towngate Fisheries gave them a sizeable donation and the team enjoyed back to back victories for the first time this season.

The upward momentum continued last Saturday when they won 3-1 away.

Committeeman Richard Paley said: “We are taking nothing for granted. The three wins from our last four games have put us in a stronger position.

“A few weeks ago we were still worrying about relegation and wondering what would happen if Retford United dropped out of the league. If a team fails to complete the season their results are expunged and if that were to happen it would cost us four points. Things like that can make all the difference.

“We know how much Retford are struggling at the minute but everyone in the league wishes them well. You look at them and you think that could be us.”

Thackley have had their own problems this term and it wasn’t until Paley and a small group of the old committee members returned, that things began turn.

One of the key men in changing the club’s fortunes on the field is manager Chris Reape.

The former Silsden boss brought Paul Clayton in as his assistant and through their contacts they have been able to bring players in that have improved the quality of the squad.

Paley said: “I think we can push on next season if we’re still in this division.

“The key to that is keeping hold of Chris and Paul. They are good coaches and they both work down at Bradford City bringing the young players through.

“If they stay here I think we’ll do well next season. I’m not saying we’ll be top six or anything but I don’t think we’ll struggle like we have this season.”