THACKLEY put a testing few days behind them to romp to a 3-0 win over Athersley Recreation over the weekend.

After a defeat to Bradford rivals Eccleshill United in midweek was followed by the tough decision to release two long-serving and talented forwards in Luke Robinson and Asa Mitchell, a lift in mood was maybe needed.

But this NCEL Premier Division clash with Athersley proved the perfect tonic, as two Owen Murphy goals set Pat McGuire's side on their way to an easy victory.

The Dennyboys started brightest. Ben Grech-Brooksbank had a goal ruled out for offside, before last-ditch Athersley defending saw them clear two efforts off the line.

Just before the half-hour mark, Thackley got the reward their efforts deserved.

Murphy took the ball round a visiting defender to get in down the left, and his fine strike beat the keeper to put the hosts in front.

He quickly made it two. Lewis Waddington had a shot brilliantly saved, but the ball was recycled out to Kieran Haigh, whose cross back into the box was turned home by Murphy.

After the break, only a brave Athersley block denied Murphy his hat-trick, before Adam Terelonge-Jones shot wide.

Haigh then fired just off target, before the game was ended as a contest when Athersley's Connor Johnson was shown a straight red card for an alleged stamp on Thackley substitute Nicky Matthews.

The Dennyboys made the most of that, and added a late third when Loz Hunter crashed home a screamer with two minutes remaining.

The win leaves Thackley in mid-table, with 10 points from their opening eight games.

Albion Sports are on the same total, after their 2-0 weekend win at home to AFC Mansfield.

Goals in each half from Jamal Stewart and former Bradford City striker Raecce Ellington ensured the three points.

But there was disappointment for Eccleshill United, as they slid to a disappointing 2-0 away defeat at Bottesford Town to drop to 14th.

It was a great day for Bottesford, with their skipper Michael Jones celebrating his 1,000th appearance in men's football.

Campion's poor start to life in the NWCFL First Division North continued.

Despite goals from Nicky Boshell and Daniel Keane, they conceded an 85th minute winner to lose 3-2 at home to AFC Blackpool.

Steeton almost pulled off a fantastic win at phoenix club Bury AFC, with strikes from Josh McKiernon, Andy Briggs and Kayle Price putting them 3-2 up with 15 minutes to go.

But the class of their hosts told, as they netted twice late on to win 4-3.

Liversedge bowed out of the FA Cup, losing their First Qualifying Round tie 2-0 at Runcorn Linnets.

Sedge ended the game with nine men, after both Jack Stockdill and Joe Walton were sent off.

In the National League North, Guiseley drew 0-0 at home to 10-man Kidderminster Harriers, while Farsley Celtic lost 4-2 at York City.