IT has been 33 months since Thackley's Jamie Underdown last took to the Dennyfield pitch, but he certainly made an impression upon his return.

In what was the Dennyboys first outing this pre-season, Underdown, who damaged three of the four ligaments in his knee back in 2017, came off the bench to set up his team's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Barnoldswick Town.

Pat McGuire's men fell behind in the first half before Ben Grech-Brooksbank netted in the 77th-minute to leave both sides sharing the spoils.

Thackley chairman Ben Oliver was pleased with how the match went and is delighted ex-City academy player Underdown returned with a bang.

He said: "I thought the players did really well given the circumstances. It has been a long time without a game for them.

"Everyone bought into the safety procedures, which were in place, in terms of the behind closed doors element, the sanitizing and no access to changing rooms.

"They performed really well and looked sharp at times. It was a shame that it was behind closed door because each team’s supporters would’ve enjoyed it.

"Jamie (Underdown)’s story is one that a lot of people can be inspired by. I visited Jamie at his house three or four weeks after his injury. He was in a really dark place with his mental health. For him to come back, after potentially being told he will never walk again, I am really pleased for him and his family.

"At the end of all this he is a talented footballer. Just before that injury, he was the best player in a cup match against Halifax Town and had aspirations to going professional.

"It will be small steps. He is not going to get ahead of himself and our physio team have done a fantastic job.

"It is like having a new signing. He is very direct, can go past players, and scores goals."

Despite arranging a whole host of friendlies involving local non league teams such as Steeton and Campion, and provisionally one against higher league opposition on August 29, Oliver admits it has been a struggle setting up a viable pre-season calendar.

He said: "It has been difficult organising pre-season this year. We haven’t had much notice from the league and FA for obvious reasons.

"I started asking teams about friendlies in January and February, but we had to reignite those conversations. It has been difficult to align diaries but we have got some good games in there."

The chairman also wanted to send his congratulations to Stewart Willingham who, after 50 years of service, was elected as club president.

Oliver added: "It was extremely sad to have Mike Smith pass away last season. It left a hole and big shoes to fill. Stewart is a great appointment and he is well liked by us and around the non league circuit."