Thackley have home advantage in their meeting with Nostell Miners Welfare on Saturday when they bid to close a gap which is not as big as it seems.

The Dennyfield outfit are fifth from bottom but have only been beaten twice more than their eighth-placed visitors.

The gap between the clubs is 11 points but Thackley have three games in hand.

Head coach John Boyle said the pitch was in good condition but there was more rain yesterday.

Boyle added: "Unfortunately Ben O'Melia pulled up with a hamstring injury in the 3-2 defeat at Long Eaton last weekend but there are two plusses. Dean Mitchell replaced him in that game to make his debut and Danny Forrest is available again."