Knaresborough Town throw away another lead on their way to home defeat to Thackley AFC
For the second game in succession, Knaresborough Town threw away a first-half lead on their way to a 3-1 defeat.
Just as was the case during their recent loss at Horbury Town, Simon Parkes’ team looked comfortable and good value for their 1-0 advantage against visiting Thackley.
But, they were pegged back before the break and then conceded twice during the latter stages to finish Saturday’s NCEL Premier Division clash empty-handed.
In-form winger Slater Barnes was first to test Liam Wilson in the Thackley goal, though Edd Hall was then required to save from Alex Washington at the other end.
Knaresborough continued to press, and a great move down their left ended with Jack Dyche’s strike from Ben Gelder’s deft pass inside testing the visiting custodian.
Wilson then made a fine stop to keep out Sam Barker’s header from Sam Leverett’s free-kick.
The Thackley custodian was however beaten in the 36th minute as Boro broke the deadlock.
Gelder fed a pass through to set Dyche free of the away defence and he fired home for 1-0.
Soon afterwards, Sam Cook headed narrowly wide from a left-wing corner, before the visitors levelled just before the interval when Washington broke into the area to tee-up Toby Marriott for a simple tap-in at the back post.
In added time at the end of the opening period, Barker went close again as his shot flew over the top, and the sides went into the break level.
Dyche brought another good save out of Wilson early in the second half and although Barnes followed up to net what would have been his sixth goal in four league games, his finish was ruled out for offside.
A long delay ensued as head injuries to Dyche and James Knowles were patched up, and Thackley were quicker to settle after the resumption.
They duly went ahead in the 73rd minute after the home defence hesitated and Washington was left with space to slot home.
Lewis Knight and Joel Barker both struck wide as Boro looked for a way back into the contest, though it was Thackley who grabbed the all-important next goal.
Marriott’s header from a corner was blocked, and Luke Brooks was left with an easy finish to make it 3-1.
There were still opportunities for Knaresborough to net a second during 12 minutes of stoppage time, however Barnes and Sam Barker were unable to capitalise.
Defeat sees Parkes and his men drop to 14th place in the table, where they sit on 26 points from 22 matches.