DERBY day has come around once again for Thackley and Eccleshill United, with both sides locking horns today.

The last time the two rivals met was in late August, the hosts Eccleshill running out 2-1 winners on the day, but this time United are on the road.

Thackley struggled on January 4 when they were beaten 4-0 at Staveley Miners Welfare, whereas Eccleshill haven’t played a fixture since December 28.

The latter are hunting down Grimsby Borough for a shot at the title and sit only two points behind them in second place.

Thackley have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign but have showed they can be a match for any side in the division, and Eccleshill boss, Lee Elam, will not be taking Pat McGuire’s side lightly.

He said: “We are extremely wary of the threat Thackley pose. When we played against them in August, they were always causing us problems and they seem to have a knack of doing very well against the sides higher up in the table.

“I’ve watched them a couple of times over the course of the season and they have a number of players who we need to keep an eye on and prevent them from playing. Then from there it’s about putting our own stamp on the fixture and ensuring we exploit their weaknesses.

“We know they have great pace on the break and that’s one thing we can’t let them exploit. But to do that we must keep the ball better because against Albion just after Christmas, we were sloppy in that aspect of the game.”

Elam added: “This Thackley side are extremely tenacious, they work hard and they’ve also got an identifiable way of playing. If they managed to find more consistency, then I’m sure they’d be pushing us at the top.

“We won’t be expecting anything less from Thackley this weekend and the derby factor always gives the fixture that added spice.

“Both teams will be up for it and you can always expect a tight affair, with form going out the window. We’ve won our last five fixtures but anything can happen in a derby. I think the team that makes the least mistakes will come out on top in this one.

“I need to make sure the lads are focused and if they are, I’m confident we can collect a valuable three points.”

It will be Eccleshill’s first fixture back in just under two weeks following a New Year’s break, and Elam admitted he can’t wait to get going again.

He said: “The break has not been too bad because it has given the lads a bit of time to recharge their batteries.

“Did it come at a good stage for us? I’m not too sure because we were on a great run of form, but it has helped with bringing a couple of players back from injury.

"Thankfully, we’ve not suffered from Covid throughout this period and we should have a fully fit squad, minus Ellis Wade who is carrying a knock.

“I think the feeling around camp is that we are all just eager to get back up and running again. We've got an exciting second half of the campaign ahead, and the work starts this weekend."