Game 1: From Frankfurt to Dennyfield

Last weekend, I swapped the glitz and glamour of watching England in the European Championship in Frankfurt for the earthy charm of a 9th tier football game between Thackley and Beverley Town. If you're thinking this sounds like trading a Ferrari for a bicycle, you're spot on. And what a delightful ride it was!

The season starts incredibly early at this level. While most are still soaking up the summer sun, the dedicated players of the Northern Counties East League are already lacing up their boots and kicking off the campaign. For me, it was a return to the raw and real roots of football.

Arriving at Dennyfield, the home of Thackley AFC, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of pie and peas – the true culinary delight of football. I quickly devoured my serving, which was, in all honesty, a gastronomic highlight that could rival any Michelin-starred meal.

As the match kicked off, I found myself relishing the freedom to wander around the pitch and stand wherever I pleased. No assigned seats, no stewards ushering me to row Z – just pure, unadulterated football bliss.

Thackley, in their forty-third season in the Premier Division of the NCEL, were up against newly promoted Beverley Town. It was the first-ever league meeting between these sides, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. Last season, Beverley had knocked Thackley out of the League Cup, so there was a hint of revenge in the air.

The opening fifteen minutes saw a couple of half chances for both sides. Thackley drew first blood with a classic move: Liam Hudson played a neat one-two, dashed down the right, and crossed for Finn Donovan to convert via the bar. The crowd erupted – all 216 of us.

Just before halftime, Beverley leveled from the spot. Matt Dempsey’s challenge on McCauley Snelgrove was deemed a foul, and Danny Earl made no mistake with the penalty. Dempsey picked up a yellow card for his troubles, and Thackley’s Ben Grech-Brooksbank joined him in the book shortly after. The half ended 1-1, with Thackley slightly edging the play.

During halftime, the pitch was taken over by kids who, full of energy and dreams, ran on to take penalties. The substitutes warmed up by gently passing the ball over the heads of these budding stars – a heartwarming scene that reminded me of the simple joys of the game.

The second half saw a freak goal give Thackley the lead again. Donovan's forward ball somehow looped over the Beverley keeper, Nicholson, who had wandered off his line. His attempt to clear it resulted in a comical punch into his own net. Football at this level sure has its quirks!

The final whistle blew, securing Thackley a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Their first-half performance earned them the three points, despite Beverley's late pressure.

Reflecting on the match, I realised how much I enjoyed the day. From the pie and peas to the freedom to move around, and the children’s halftime antics, it was a perfect start to my season of football adventures.

Stay tuned as I continue to explore the beautiful game from all angles, high and low. Next stop: the FA Cup opener against Frickley Athletic. Until then, keep the passion alive and the pies hot!

Match Details:

Thackley 2-1 Beverley Town

Thackley scorers: Finn Donovan (18’, 58’)

Beverley Town scorer: Danny Earl (38’ pen)

Attendance: 216

Man of the Match: Liam Hudson

Thackley Team: Wilson; Everingham; Gardner; Sugden (Terrelonge-Jones 89’); Dempsey (Parsons 68’); Hudson; Donovan; Mitchell; Grech-Brooksbank; Hunt (Bradshaw 61’); Ahmed (Holcombe 85’). Unused sub: Billy.

Beverley Town Team: Nicholson; Taylor; Wilson; Harman; Plummer (Larkin); Piercy ©; Snelgrove (Southcote); Hill (Ofori); Chambers (Connelly); McFadyen; Earl. Unused sub: Dash.

Referee: Luke Hood