THACKLEY'S first scorer in their 2-2 midweek derby draw against Liversedge was Joe Hughes – who has caused quite a stir in the area.

Tuesday's strike was Hughes' seventh goal in six games since signing for the club and his sudden impact has had people asking questions.

Dennyboys fans want to know just where this talented player sprang from and how Thackley managed to unearth such a gem.

The club's assistant manager Andy Patterson has been just as taken aback by Hughes' prolific start but he has the answers to the mystery of where the player came from.

"Joe has come in and slotted in so well and looks a great striker – but we just stumbled on him, so its pure good luck," said Patterson.

"He's from the north east but he moved down here for work and has been living on the doorstep for the last few months.

"It was actually him who approached the club and asked if he could get involved. He'd played a bit on non-League up in the Newcastle area.

"It was during the close season and he started training with the lads. It was clear from the start that he was a decent player at this level, so we signed him on – but no-one expected him to bang in as many goals as he has in the first few games."

Patterson feels that an extra big plus is Nicky Matthews returning to the club for another spell. He almost suggested that manager Chris Reape is pleased with everything, before realising just what a statement that would be.

"We're not quite where we want to be but things are starting to come together and we've played some lovely football here and there," said Patterson.

"Even Chris is happy with the football we're playing, well not quite. Chris is never happy, its not in his nature, but that's great because it just keeps everyone striving to do better.

"I'm quite pleased though. Like I say, we're not there yet but we're getting there and to have Nicky back at the club is a massive boost as he brings a lot of quality and experience. He was here as a lad, so it's his club.

"Joe's been a real find though and he's a natural goal-scorer. He knows where the net is and he has a knack of finding it.

"He gets a bit of stick off the lads because he's from Newcastle and a big fan, so the lads wind him up – asking him if he's a Sunderland fan and asking how the Mackems are doing, now they're out of the Premier League.

"He's a big Geordie lad though and he gives them plenty back. They won't get a bite out of him."