Dan Naidole ensured a point as Golcar United started life in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division with a 1-1 draw at Thackley.

The Weavers went behind to a goal from Aidan Chippendale in the 21st minute before Naidole levelled with a header just four minutes later.

Joint boss Gav Connor said: “We played well and had some great opportunities to win the game. We put in a decent performance against a good side.

“We started off well and then they scored from a deceiving shot come cross that ended up in the back of the net. It was probably against the run of play at the time. Our goal was from a neat header from Danny.

“We are finding our feet at this level and we played against a team that have obviously made some big new signings. A point away from home in our first fixture at this level is a good start as far as we’re concerned.”

Golcar play NPL side Stocksbridge away in the club’s first ever FA Cup game on Saturday August 6 (3.00). Connor insists there are lots of positives to take from the draw against Thackley and put them into what will be a tough cup tie. 

He added: “There are lots of positives. We created chances and managed the game perfectly when needed. We had a couple of injuries but the lads that came on did well.

“We will be going to Stocksbridge respecting them but having the aim to get through to the next round.”