Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Maltby Main 3-3 Thackley
Thackley captain Paddy McGuire scored directly from two corners
Captain Paddy McGuire scored directly from two corners as Thackley drew at Maltby Main, who had to fight-back from 3-1 down.
Jordan Snodin secured the point for Main. The game started off at a high tempo in an end to end contest. Thackley broke the deadlock when McGuire scored direct from a corner kick on 28 minutes.
Maltby responded well and great work from Darker opened up an opportunity for Jordan Poole who finished well on 34 minutes to level the score, but this did not last long as McGuire did exactly the same again and scored direct from another corner on 38 minutes. Thackley further increased the lead on 39 minutes when Danny Broadbent took advantage of some sloppy defending.
In the second half Main dominated and a terrific ball from Josh Schofield found Steve Hopewell who hammered home on 56 minutes and Snodin levelled terms on 63 minutes. The Thackley goal was under siege and despite having many good opportunities to take all three points Main could not find the winner.
What They Said
Maltby Main manager Spencer Fearn
“When the first corner landed in the top corner, you thought it was a freak goal, but then McGuire did it again, it was remarkable. I felt for our Keeper Jones as these were both great deliveries and the high winds certainly played a part. The first half was pretty even and at half-time we said to the lads that we just needed to keep playing as we had the first 45 minutes and we would get something from the game.
“In the second half we were fantastic and had 14 shots at goal, whereas our visitors did not manage one, so that tells you how the game went. A game we should have won, but overall the performance was pleasing and we are showing positive signs. The return of Nicky Darker has helped and Steve Hopewell was brilliant. We are also looking forward to Ryan Carroll returning on Wednesday and we are finally getting some of these key players back from injury.”
The Teams
Maltby Main: Jones, Mitchell, Hibbert, Hill (Greeves), Reilly, Darker (captain), Lawrence (Stacey), Snodin, Hopewell (Gregg), Schofield, Poole. Subs unused: Roberts, Betts.
Thackley: Convey, Foulds, Hargreaves, McGuire (captain), White, Hudson, Farrell, Howe, Broadbent, Bentham (Whiteley 70), Eustance (Joyce 75). Subs unused: Scott, Wilson.