Thackley’s recent run came to a stuttering end as they surrendered third place in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division after a 2-1 defeat at Maltby Main.

The visitors enjoyed sustained periods of pressure and eventually broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Matt Morgan whipped in a shot from the left.

Their relief was short-lived as Maltby levelled in stoppage time with virtually the last kick of the first half. A long punt through the middle gave Adam Shepherd the opportunity to race into the area and score.

Maltby edged in front early in the second half when Rob Branigan took a pass from Neil Longhurst before lashing home.

The lively Morgan had seen a powerful drive parried by the home keeper and Stuart Waite had two later chances as Thackley pressed to get what they deserved from the game.

Reds boss Dave Morgan said: “The run wasn’t going to go on for ever but I’m very disappointed in the manner that it happened. In the first half we footballed them to death but if you don’t score you are going to have problems.

“It was the end of four straight wins and we had taken victories from seven of our last nine games.”

Liversedge have been watching their city rivals pulling away but it was their turn to relish success at the weekend.

They beat Arnold Town 4-2, with striker Jamie Wasley claiming a hat-trick.

Scott Ryan curled the first one in from an 11th minute free-kick but Arnold levelled before the half-hour through Tony Law.

A turning point came in the 38th minute when the visitors were reduced to ten men. The referee decided Chris Hudson was the last man when he pushed an attacker on the edge of the area.

In the second half, Wasley latched onto a rebound to put Sedge back in front and he bagged his second with a deft lob.

Town hit back to make it 3-2 when Mark Smith netted a 76th-minute shot but the home side restored their two-goal cushion as Wasley completed his treble.

In Division One, Brighouse consolidated their third place with a 1-0 home win over Grimsby Borough.

A late strike from Lee Burgess was enough to earn Town all three points.

With leaders Leeds Carnegie and second-placed AFC Emley locking horns tonight, Town boss Mark Brier has his fingers crossed that they cancel each other out and share a point apiece.

There was also good news for Eccleshill United as they hauled themselves off the foot of the table with a narrow victory at the Smith Butler Stadium.

Ryan Wood’s screaming volley was classy enough to win any game and the victory over seventh-placed Appleby Frodingham gives the Eagles genuine hope.