Thackley are experiencing their worst run of form this term, which is hardly the best time to lose one of their key strikers.

David Brown, who made a handful of Football League appearances for Bradford City, has rejoined Scarborough Athletic, who were rivals of the Dennyboys last season before winning the title and promotion to Evo-Stik League Division One South.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “David has gone back to Scarborough and he goes with our best wishes.

“He has been good for us and everything about the move was done in the right manner.

“They made him a very good offer, which I expect they are in a position to do because they had a much bigger budget than us, even when they were in our division.

“Scarborough lost Lewis Clarkson to Bradford City and they want David to replace him, so they must think a lot of him.

“Good luck to the lad. We all hope the move works out for him.”

Clarkson was released by Hull City in the summer and had been on the Bantams’ radar for a while.

The 19-year-old has signed an 18-month contract with Phil Parkinson’s team.

Lodge added: “Its great news for David but not brilliant for us because we have a limited squad.

“It’s difficult for midweek games because one of our other strikers, Matt Mathers, misses out as he is at college, so the options are limited.

“But that’s what it’s like at our level.

“One of our players used to be called ‘midweek Mike’ (Garrod) because he was at Shipley College but lived on the west coast and went home at weekends.

“So it’s swings and roundabouts, but all the clubs are in the same boat.”