Normanton hits hat-trick as Thackley smash FC United

Jack Normanton scored a first half hat-trick as Thackley impressively smashed FC United of Manchester 4-0 at Dennyfield.

Thackley’s star man Normanton made quite some entrance into the game as he fired Paddy McGuire’s men ahead in the first minute after rounding FC’s goalkeeper.

The game hadn’t even got to the midway mark in the first half when Asa Mitchell, who had set Normanton up for the opener, was the provider of the second goal as his cross was tapped home by the forward.

Normanton sealed his hat-trick before the interval after latching onto a ball over the top of FC’s defence and beating the advancing goalkeeper.

Mitchell deservedly got his name on the score-sheet five minutes into the second half.

The resounding victory, along with the rest of Tuesday’s friendlies, was played out behind closed doors, the policy which is now into its second full week.

Clubs are wearing thin over the strict rules and are concerned about the financial implications, given the cost of using floodlights and paying match officials without any income.

The department for digital, culture, media and sport remain unmoved by criticism, but there could be hope on the horizon if the planned test large gatherings at various sporting events take place as planned this weekend.

They had been scheduled for the weekend of August 1st, but were cancelled following the Government’s decision to enforce restrictions on Greater Manchester, Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

Andy Dawson’s Parkgate cruised to a 5-1 success at Oughtibridge. Brandon Bagley, Richard Tootle, Lewis Whitaker, Simon Harrison and Bruno Holden were on the score-sheet for Parkgate.

Second half goals from Nick Guest (2) and Ross Hardaker helped Ossett United record a 5-0 win at Eccleshill United. Elliott Harrison and Tom Greaves had given Ossett a commanding half-time lead.

Worsbrough Bridge were beaten 6-1 by former Ossett Town boss Grant Black’s Belper Town, who are tipped to do well in the NPL Division One South East when the new season begins.

Old NLY favourites Derry Robson, Nathan Curtis, Danny South and Brodie Litchfield were among Belper’s goal-scorers.

Christian Fox’s Selby Town came from behind to beat higher league Pickering Town 4-1 at the Fairfax Plant Hire Stadium.

Ex-Robin Nathan Perks had broken clear the Pikes an early lead. But his goal was quickly cancelled out by new Selby striker Josh Street. A deflected effort from Charlie Clamp put Fox’s men ahead before the break.

A trademark counter attack saw Selby extend their lead straight after the break, with Garforth Town legend Mark Simpson netting on this occasion. Liam Flanagan added the fourth.

Alex Burton celebrated scoring a treble in Garforth’s 6-0 thrashing of Old Malton St Mary’s. Charlie Marshall, Joe Colley and new defender Jamie Barkway also struck.

Joe Milner’s 74th minute winner secured Glasshoughton Welfare a 2-1 win at Golcar United. Ash Bell had given Glassy an early lead, but that was cancelled out by Fraser Beckett.

Khurram Shazad’s double and Chris Wademan’s late goal made sure Silsden came from behind to win 3-1 at Ilkley Town.

Hallam lost 3-1 at Retford United, with their solitary goal coming through an own goal.

There was also a 3-1 defeat for Hemsworth Miners Welfare at Thorne Colliery.

Rossington Main drew 1-1 at Bentley Colliery.