THACKLEY have moved their derby against Liversedge at Dennyfield from Boxing Day in the hope of attracting more locals through the turnstile.

This year the day after Christmas falls on a Saturday, so there is a full programme of matches in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.

But Thackley feel there will be less on offer for football fans of Bradford on Monday, December 28, which is a Bank Holiday in lieu of Boxing Day.

Dennyboys spokesman Mick Lodge said: "In a move designed to be of benefit to both clubs, and with permission from the Northern Counties East League and the Football Association, Thackley and Liversedge have agreed to play their derby game on the Monday.

"It is hoped that the switch will increase crowd numbers as Bradford City have a home game on Boxing Day and there are no other local games on the Monday.

"Kick-off is at 3pm and everyone is encouraged to come along to Dennyfield and support their local club."

Thackley went weeks without a home game either side of the Christmas and New Year holidays last term, despite pleas to the league.

They were struggling financially and the festive season is usually an opportunity to get the turnstiles ticking and the tills ringing.

Yet last season's struggles were not taken into account by the committee when they discussed the move.

"To be honest, we've all been concentrating on this season and have not given a thought to 12 months ago," said Lodge.

"What's behind it is that City are at home on the Saturday but are away on the Monday, which is still a Bank Holiday, and most of the non-League clubs are also away from home.

"Sedge have a decent away following and we always seem to get a few when we play them at our place. We probably get a few floaters to swell the crowd with it being a derby game and it all helps."

With a full fixture list in the National and Evo-Stik Leagues on the Monday after Christmas, many local sides are in action. But Guiseley, Bradford Park Avenue and Farsley Celtic are all away, while Brighouse Town host Scarborough Athletic.