THACKLEY moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone yesterday, after new player-manager Tom Greaves netted a dramatic last-gasp winner in a thrilling 4-3 win at high-flying Garforth Town.

The hosts went into this Northern Counties East League Premier Division clash as firm favourites, sitting third at kick-off and right in the hunt for the sole promotion play-off place.

But their dreams of hitting that coveted second spot went up in smoke on a wild afternoon in West Yorkshire, as the visitors produced a magnificent victory with 10 men.

Garforth started the brighter of the two sides though, firing wide in the opening minute before seeing a shot brilliantly blocked by Thackley player-coach Kris Hargreaves.

Dennyboys keeper Callum Bradbury then got down brilliantly to turn a deflected effort wide, and his side took the lead moments later.

After some good build up play between Prince Attakorah and Frankie Sinfield, the ball was worked to Aidan Chippendale, who curled a superb left-footed effort into the top corner.

Some last-ditch defending from Thackley kept them in front, before Garforth missed with a free header from close range.

Chippendale almost made it two but was denied by Garforth stopper Toby Wells just before half-time.

Wells denied Chippendale immediately after the break too, but he could not keep out Ben Grech-Brooksbank three minutes later, with the Thackley man turning and finishing from close range to double his side's lead.

Garforth replied instantly, Sam Barker firing an effort from the edge of the area into the bottom left corner.

Wells was then on hand to keep out both Chippendale and Grech-Brooksbank, before Lewis Morgan was red carded with 20 minutes to go after clattering Garforth's James Burgess.

Garforth equalised from the resulting free-kick, as a clever move saw Nick Thompson finish from close range.

But a Wells howler saw Thackley immediately restore their advantage, the Garforth stopper spilling Grech-Brooksbank's shot into his own net.

Chippendale pulled his man back in the box to concede a penalty with seven minutes to go, Daniel Coupland putting his penalty into the bottom right corner to draw Garforth level.

The Thackley winger made up for that gaffe in injury-time though, with his superb cross converted by Greaves, who was at full stretch to score with a diving header.

Emley AFC moved above Garforth into third after they won 3-1 at Eccleshill United.

James Walshaw put the visitors in front just after the break before Matthew Sykes equalised midway through the second half.

But Walshaw replied instantly to restore Emley's lead, before Iyrwah Gooden netted to seal the points for his side.

Lowly Albion Sports' home game with Hallam and high-flying Silsden's clash at Barton Town were both called off due to waterlogged pitches.

Runaway NCEL Division One leaders Campion won 4-1 at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic last Friday to round off 2022 nicely.

And goals from Patrick Sykes and Marcus Day ensured 2023 started with a bang too, as they won 2-1 at Staveley Miners Welfare yesterday.

In the Northern Premier League East Division, Brighouse Town are right in the play-off hunt and they thumped rock-bottom Tadcaster Albion 3-0 yesterday, Jack Boyle's goal sandwiching a double from Bradford City loanee Jack Wilson.

Liversedge slid to the foot of the NPL Premier Divison after losing 4-2 at Stalybridge Celtic, Joe Walton and Kurt Harris netting for the visitors.

Guiseley lost 2-1 at Bamber Bridge in the same division, with the game marred by an alleged incident of racist abuse aimed at home player Nathan Pond.