A Callum Lloyd strike on 62 minutes won the game for AFC Mansfield, they completed the double over 5th placed Thackley and climbed to 6th in the league. A good day for The Bulls, but in truth the game itself was a dull affair, at least the 1st half was.
Both sides cancelled each other out and there seemed to be no appetite to win the game. Then first real chance on goal did not come until the half hour mark when Jimmy Ghaichem teed up Ollie Fearon but the striker’s effort went 2 yards wide of the post from the edge of the box.
The only other action was when Dale Sheppard raced out of his area to a 50/50 challenge with Sam Robinson that left both players needing treatment.
The 2nd half started with Fearon getting in a downward header that keeper Luke Wilson was well positioned to save. Thackley had their one and only chance on goal when Luke Robinson headed over the bar.
George Milner broke into the box and Wilson did well to save with his legs on 52 minutes.
The Bulls took the lead on 62 minutes, Milner again having his effort saved by Wilson, Fearons follow up was hooked off the line but only as far as Callum Lloyd who lifted the ball over the crowd and into the far corner of the net.
Milner turned provider on 75 minutes, setting up Fearon but Wilson was again well placed to save.
A minute after coming on Danny Naylor had the ball in the back of the net. Unfortunately, he was judged offside after getting a deflection from a Lloyd 20-yard effort.
No more goalmouth action and The Bulls comfortably took the points in a very uninspiring game.
A tougher test awaits them on Wednesday when they travel to inform Staveley MW.
AFC Mansfield: Sheppard, Buxton, Dudley, Plummer, Cheeseman, D’Laryea, Yates, Lloyd, Fearon (Naylor 75), Milner & Ghaichem (C). Subs not used: Timons, Paling, Wilson & Wall
Thackley: Wilson; Hargreaves; O’Brien; McGuire (C); White; Snowden; Broadley; Whiteley; Sam Robinson (Broadbent 62); Jones (Garrod 74); Luke Robinson (Bentham 64).
Referee: Mr Danny Jarvis (Rotherham)
Assistants: Mr Kelvin Wilson (Chesterfield) & Mr Scott Spering (Chesterfield)
Attendance: 65
MoM: George Milner