Thackley’s final two friendlies could not have been more diverse and manager Dave Morgan will have learned a lot about his players.

After a 3-1 home win over Colne, who are on the same step of the non-league ladder but play their football on the western side of the Pennine ridge, the Dennyboys should have eased into the new season with back-to-back fixtures against lower-ranking opponents.

But the first of those saw Bradford outfit Albion Sports visit Dennyfield for a hastily-arranged friendly and the visitors – who have desires to join the football pyramid – won 3-2, which was not part of the plan.

Spokesman Chris Frank said: “It was 3-0 to Albion at half-time and Dave was not a happy man.

“Jordan Missin, who bagged a hatful of goals for them last year, netted twice and their centre back got a goal from a set-piece.

“The players were read the riot act by Dave at half-time, in no uncertain terms. They responded in the second half and we did better but not enough to win the game, so it was definitely one that we have to try to learn lessons from.

“We followed that up with a trip to Settle and we had a 6-0 win and a very enjoyable day. The result didn’t matter at all but it was a very good day for the club as a whole.

“The bonus was not the six goals but the players – reserves as well as first team because it was a double-header – all spending the day together; the pre-game routine, the trip and even a few beer stops on the way back.

“It was a day that cemented team spirit just when we needed it, not just after the defeat against Albion but on the last match day before the new season.”