Pre-season results mean nothing, performances mean everything: it is an unwritten rule of the football industry.

That is why Thackley boss John Boyle is very satisfied with the way his side's preparation for the new season has gone.

There is also the plus that, unlike most of the other local semi-professional clubs, they have steered clear of injuries in the warm-up.

"We have a very young side but the players have not been overawed at all during pre-season and I have been very pleased with what I have seen," said Boyle.

"I would say that to go to Whitley Bay, the club that won the Northern League last season, and come away disappointed with a 3-2 defeat is very positive.

"We then went over to Mossley, a UniBond League club, and also only lost by the odd goal.

"On Tuesday we went to Colne Dynamos, who are at our level and are expected to be pushing for promotion to the UniBond. We lost 2-0 after conceding two dubious goals while creating lots of chances ourselves.

"You don't blame the referees for making what you feel are errors in friendly games because it hasn't cost you three points, one point or a place in the next round of a cup competition.

"That's why these games are termed friendlies; there is nothing riding on them. At Colne a goal was given that was, in my opinion, offside. So be it. What I was looking at was the two one-on-ones we had before they even scored.

"The players have stepped up to the plate, they have put in a lot of hard work and will be ready for the season.

"I hope we will be a little stronger by the time we kick off against Liversedge next week. If we aren't we will be underdogs - but we can always add to the squad into the season."