The Y&E secured a place in the FA Vase second qualifying round with a 1-0 win away at Thackley, Tom Atkinson once again getting a late goal to win the game.

A lovely breakfast in the Keys for several of the Y&E travelling support fuelled them up for the day ahead. On to the bus at 11:30, with a few potential fines for late arrival (looking at you, team McWilliams). Plenty of 50/50 draw tickets were sold on the way down & congratulations to Ethan Jones for winning £110—put to good use buying the beers for the journey home.

Arriving at Thackley it was straight to the clubhouse for a few pre-match pints. A bit of local history on the walls—going back to the early 70s when Johan Cruyff & Barcelona trained on Thackley’s pitch ahead of a European Cup tie vs Leeds.

A few pre-match pints were consumed & we headed into the ground. Dennyfield is a cracking ground with the added bonus of being able to rest your pint on the perimeter fencing. The dugouts are pretty unique as well, looking like stone bus stops!

We lined up with Callum in goal. A central back 3 of Ethan Jones, Dan Jones & Dan McWilliams, with HST & Joe Dalton as wing-backs. In the middle Bubba & Josh Larkin, with an experienced front three of Ste Roberts, Mikey Roberts & Tom Atkinson. On the bench, a debut for Harrison Bowker, Luca Di Cicco, Foz Garton, Charlie Fixter & Reece McMann.

Within the first 10 seconds we had a superb chance—good link-up play between the front three and Tom was in the box, but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

For the rest of the half, Thackley were the better side. They had most of the possession but lacked someone to put the ball away. They couldn’t keep up with the Joneses in the heart of our defence, who were on the end of pretty much everything. Callum was called into action on a few occasions, palming the ball away for a corner & dealing superbly with a close-range header from a corner. Thackley had an excellent chance on 35 mins, but their forward couldn’t connect properly in the six-yard box & his effort was saved easily by Callum. Our best chances came from set pieces, with a few half-chances. At half-time it was level at 0-0.

Into the second half and we were unchanged. We had an early chance, with a Jonesy header falling to Tom in the box, which he headed straight at the keeper. We were a bit more on the front foot in the second half, with Jacko & the management team making a few tactical adjustments. Larkin, playing in a deeper role, was all over the midfield, and we were a bit more positive. We made a few subs, with Bubba off for Charlie Fixter, Foz on for Mikey & Reece on for Ste. As we moved into the last ten minutes, it looked to be heading to penalties, but up stepped Tom Atkinson to make it 1-0 on 84 mins. A break from Larkin saw his shot saved; the ball came back to him, which he passed wide to Reece Lightning. His cross over was blocked, but the ball broke to Tom, who was able to find the back of the net from close range. 1-0.

We managed to see out the last few minutes & secured our place in the next round. By no means a vintage display, but we did what we do best at times: stay solid, stay tough to break down & get the goal when needed. Man of the match was Josh Larkin who was quality in the middle of the park. Josh is sponsored by Nigel Dennison and Cheer Starz Cheerleading & Gymnastics Academy – Middlesbrough

Post-match and back to the clubhouse for a few more beers, before Simon from Thackley emerged with a few Baby Guinnesss & Black Sambucas! Cracking hospitality! I’ve got to say the welcome we had at Thackley was first-class. The committee & volunteers were so friendly & a real credit to the club. We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season. On the pitch they played some good football but lacked a bit of firepower up front; that said, our defence did have a good game.

Back onto the bus—the least said about the karaoke the better! Although Bubba & Mikey Roberts were the stars of the show. Back to the Cleveland Bay & a catch-up with the Reserves after their 1-1 draw against Kader Development.

Another fantastic away day with the Y&E once again. Thanks to all who came down to watch. Next up in the FA Vase is a home game against Kendal Town on 12th September, which means 2 consecutive games against The Mintcakes at home in September.

Next up is Carlisle City away on Tuesday. #utyae 🔵⚪️🦅