The superb start to the holiday period may have barely affected Thackley's position in the Northern Counties East Premier Division table - but it has catapulted them clear of the danger zone.

After a solid display to register a 6-2 victory over Lincoln Moorlands Railway, which saw the Den-nyfield outfit switch places with their rivals, they put in an even more impressive performance to beat neighbours Eccleshill United 3-2 on Boxing Day.

Despite the magnitude of that win - the Eagles were ten places higher in the league and had beaten Thackley at Plumpton Park at the beginning of the month - it did not lift John Boyle's side even one place.

However, they may be 16th in the 20-club division but they are now seven points clear of second-from-bottom Brodsworth Welfare.

They also appear to have tapped into a rich vein of form. Nicky Matt-hews got a lot of the plaudits, quite rightly after finding the net an impressive seven times in the two games. But there were other players who also deserve credit for the upturn.

Keeper Danny Trueman was snapped up from Bradford Sunday Alliance League Premier Division club Albion Sports and the Lincoln game was his Thackley debut.

He made vital saves in both games and commanded his area with confidence.

Winger Paul Helliwell has shaken off recent injuries and has provided the ammunition for Matthews, to complement the deliveries from the opposite flank by Phil Holmes.

The defence and central midfield have been strong all season but are only now beginning to get the rewards their play has deserved.