THACKLEY laid down the gauntlet in the title race on Tuesday night, as they claimed a superb 3-2 home win over leaders Penistone Church in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
On a windy night at Dennyfield, the visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time, as former Campion man Leon Hurles-Brook scored directly from a corner that swirled into the top corner.
That was a little harsh on Thackley, who edged proceedings in the first half, and they dominated immediately after the break.
But Luke Wilson stopped them from falling further behind with a brilliant save just before the hour mark.
And that proved crucial, as the Dennyboys went on to score three times in 11 minutes.
New signing Antony Brown set up Ben Grech-Brooksbank to slot the ball into the bottom corner on the hour mark for the equaliser.
Then Brown struck two quickfire goals to leave Penistone shellshocked, striking his first across the keeper from the right into the bottom corner, then tapping home from Tawheed Ahmed’s excellent cross.
To the away side’s credit, they hit back, and Hurles-Brook scored from a free-kick that deflected in off Matty Dempsey.
But they could not fashion an equaliser, and now only lead the table by three points from Albion Sports and Thackley.
Albion moved into second spot on Tuesday night, ahead of the Dennyboys on goal difference, with a 3-1 win at Parkgate.
Dom Staunton, Eisa Faulding and Nathan Cartman all found the net for the Bradford side, who survived a sin-binning for goalkeeper Jordan Porter which forced outfielder Ellis Wade between the sticks briefly.
Golcar United are just a point behind Albion and Thackley, moving up to fourth with a 1-0 home win over Eccleshill United.
That meant Silsden dropped to fifth, with their game at Goole called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Guiseley remain fifth and in the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off places after their 2-0 win at Basford United on Tuesday night, with Will Longbottom at the double.
And the Lions now know they will visit Kidderminster in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, after the Harriers won their midweek replay 2-0 at home to Buxton.
Finally, Liversedge lost 2-1 at home to Barnoldswick Town in the West Riding County Cup first round.
Barlick took the lead in the first half, but Sedge equalised moments before the break thanks to a fine curling effort from Desmond Amponsah.
The visitors made it through though, bagging a last-gasp winner courtesy of Leon Creech.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here