Thackley's recent run of tough fixtures saw them, contrary to some reports, come up against one of the area’s best-known strikers.

The Dennyboys’ sequence of difficult games began with the visit of Scarborough Athletic, who have former Bantams and Hull City talisman Dean Windass among their ranks.

Rumours that the ex-Premier League marksman was not playing that day were, unlike most of Deano’s efforts, wide of the mark.

Thackley secretary Mick Lodge said: “Dean was here and he did come on in the second half, so I don’t know where the people who said he wasn’t got their information from.

“He was on the squad list sent to us in the week leading up to the game for our programme editor.

“Then we saw reports that his commitments with Sky Sports would prevent him from being available but I can assure you he was here and he did play.

“I think the only concern may have been a fitness one because we were led to believe he would be in the starting line-up but he was on the bench and only came on for about 20 minutes.

“He may have lost a yard of pace but is still a great player. He is looking well and seems to still enjoy playing.”

Windass was not on the scoresheet, despite the Seadogs running away with the points from a 5-0 victory, with most of the damage being done to the Denny-boys in the first half.

Thackley boss Vince Brockie and his assistant Sean Regan got to work on the squad to lift spirits following that heavy home loss to one of the promotion favourites.

The squad earned a three-point maximum from the next game, a 2-1 win over Hall Road Rangers, and then held leaders Bridlington Town.

They earned another draw in midweek at home to Armthorpe Welfare, who have Ben Muirhead in their ranks and Leo Fortune-West, who set up their goal.

That brings the Dennyboys to tomorrow’s clash with Retford United, who are second in the table, making it a very testing November so far for Brockie’s men.