THACKLEY missed a good opportunity to climb into the top half of the table yesterday when they lost 3-1 at Barton Town.

The Dennyboys had some momentum behind them after a busy March but they did get an unexpected day off on Easter Monday. The trip to Barton should have been the third of four games in eight days but their Bank Holiday fixture at Rainworth MW was washed out.

Thackley had beaten Staveley MW and neighbours Eccleshill United, after extra time, when the rivals met in a League Cup tie. They were disappointed with a point last Saturday when a stoppage-time penalty rescued hosts Athersley Recreation.

Chris Reape’s men were just two points adrift of Barton but that gap has increased following the Dennyboys defeat last night. Barton were 2-0 up by the break and added a third before the visitors struck back with a goal that was initially reported as an own goal before it was accredited to Thomas Dugdale.

Thackley will look to get back to winning ways tomorrow, which would assist neighbours Liversedge. The Dennyboys are at home to Parkgate, who are hovering just above the drop zone and currently four points better off than Sedge, who travel to Barton Town themselves.

Sedge, who drew at home to leaders Handsworth Parramore on Tuesday, are four points below the safety line but have five games in hand on Parkgate and other clubs above them.