Liversedge FC remain five points clear at the top of the Macron NCE League’s Premier Division despite suffering a surprise defeat at Thackley.

Danny Forrest’s men were defending a 23-match unbeaten run in the league when they made the short trip to Thackley at the weekend, but were edged out 1-0.

In a tight, tense contest they were kept scoreless for only the third game this season as their efforts in attack were rebuffed by a home side that proved more stubborn than their league position had suggested they might be.

Thackley came into the game down in 12th place in the Premier, but had given Liversedge problems in their first meeting of the season back in September at Clayborn when taking a first half lead only for George Green to earn a draw with a 50th minute equaliser.

Joe Walton came closest to a goal for Liversedge at Thackley when his header was tipped onto the crossbar.

placeholder image — Joe Walton came closest to a goal for Liversedge at Thackley when his header was tipped onto the crossbar.

They were ahead again in the opening half with Keanen Mannings giving them the lead in the 23rd minute when getting on the end of a corner.

Harvey Coates had already posted a warning with a header that went narrowly wide while Sedge keeper Jordan Porter was forced into a save to keep out Lewis Sugden’s effort.

The visitors came close early on as Chris Atkinson’s header was well saved by Thackley keeper Liam Wilson.

But they needed a clearance off the line to deny Hass Gorji from another corner to keep the score to 1-0 at the break.

Joe Walton celebrates his goal for Liversedge. Picture: Paul Butterfield

Liversedge threw plenty at their opponents in the second half as they looked to preserve their long unbeaten run.

Their best chance fell to Joe Walton whose header was tipped onto the crossbar by Wilson.

The Thackley keeper also did well to keep out an Alfie Dean volley as the hosts somehow held out against all the pressure.

Toby Marriott hit the woodwork for the hosts who then clung on in the closing stages to become only the second side to lower the colours of Sedge in the league all season.

Liversedge will be keen to bounce straight back in their next league game on Saturday when they are at home to mid-table Bottesford Town.

They were due to play a League Cup quarter-final at Frickley Athletic tonight, but the game has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and has now been rescheduled for next Tuesday.