Match preview by Josh Birkin

Thackley AFC return to cup action this weekend as they welcome Colne FC for the First Round Qualifying of this season Isuzu FA Vase.

Thackley’s best run in this competition came in the 1980/81 season when they were eliminated in the fifth round following a 2-0 away defeat at Whickham FC. More recently, Thackley have enjoyed more joy in this competition than they have in the FA Cup, despite being knocked out at this stage last season. A weakened team travelled to Heaton Stannington and were beaten 3-0. However, a year earlier, the Dennyboys were victorious over Boldon CA and progressed to the second round.

Thackley come into this game in good form, narrowly outside the play-off places in the NCEL Premier Division and having progressed to the FA Cup First Qualifying Round following an away victory at Golcar United. On top of that, Thackley also have a 100% home record so far this season, with three victories from three games at Dennyfield. The 1-0 victory over Golcar United came courtesy of a second half Grech-Brooksbank strike, which he volleyed home from a Lewis Sugden free kick on 62 minutes, to ensure the road to Wembley continued.

Colne on the other hand, are at the same level as Thackley in the Premier Division of the North West Counties Football League, are currently in 21st place in the table, on four points from six games played. Their first victory of the season came most recently, it was against high-flying Ramsbottom United, in what was their first defeat of the season. That 1-0 victory on Tuesday was only their fourth league goal of the season, all of which have come from four different goal scorers. That win, contrasted with the 8-0 loss to Longridge Town the previous Tuesday, and coupled with a further eight goals conceded in their four other league games since the season began, gives them a goal difference of minus twelve. However, Tuesday’s victory shows that the side will be no pushover in Saturday’s cup fixture.

In the side’s seven competitive games this season, Colne have only had one player start all seven. Striker Shakil Ali is yet to score a goal. However, he has repeatedly looked threatening in the number 10 shirt. He wore the number 3 shirt in Colne’s victory on Tuesday. That versatility will keep Danny Forrest guessing as to the role that Ali will take up against the Dennyboys and he could be one to watch.

Thackley have no new injury news to report and will be hoping for a win and to progress to the next round.

Entry to the match is £6 for Adults and £4 for Concessions. Arthur's Bar opens at 12.30pm and the Gates will open at 2pm.