Liversedge off to an encouraging start

Jonathan Rimmington’s men followed up Saturday’s goalless draw against newly promoted Clipstone with an impressive 2-1 derby victory over Thackley on Tuesday.

Liversedge have introduced several new faces to their line-up and are looking to improve on last season’s 18th place finish.

The Clayborners had to wait until mid-September last season to register a first win but produced an impressive display to overcome their neighbours in an entertaining clash on Tuesday.

Craig Bentham gave Thackley a 10th minute lead but, in a lively opening, Liversedge equalised two minutes later through Andrew Wood and it remained 1-1 at half-time.

Wood struck the decisive blow with his second goal two minutes after the restart.

Liversedge dug deep to hold onto their advantage and almost wrapped up victory when they hit the crossbar late in the game.

Thackley also had a chance to snatch a point when a shot hit a post but Sedge held on for a deserved first win of the campaign.

Clipstone were promoted as first division champions last season but Liversedge were more than a match for the Mansfield opponents and dominated for long periods of last Saturday’s opening Premier Division fixture

Sedge forced 10 corners to their hosts’ one but were unable to break the deadlock as the match ended goalless. However, taking four points from their opening two matches means there is plenty of encouragement in the Sedge ranks and they head to Barrow-in-Furness to face North West Counties side Holker Old Boys in confident mood for Saturday’s FA Cup extra preliminary round tie.

Holker have made an excellent start to their campaign, winning 2-1 away to Eccleshall last Saturday before recording a 5-2 home win over Bacup Borough on Tuesday.

Liversedge should be well supported as they aim to progress to the preliminary round, with a coach leaving Clayborn at 10am.