Recap

Frickley 1 Keighley Town 1

The Blues opened the 2026/27 league campaign with a hard earned point against the newly named Keighley Town, The Azzurri fighting back to claim a more than deserved share of the spoils at The Wezzie.

Both sides took a little time to settle. The visitors fashioned the first opening when a soft free kick in the 8th minute took a deflection wide of the target.

The Azzurri responded well. A neat move in the 16th minute saw Spence feed Cable, who skipped inside his marker before seeing his effort blocked.

Keighley tried their luck from range midway through the half but it went just over.

Keighley had a moment of fortune in the 27th minute when the ball was taken to the byline and hit across the 6 yard box, evading everyone until it reached an unmarked Keighley player. He gave Allinson no chance as he finished from close range.

Les Bleus looked for an immediate response. Kilner whipped over a dangerous cross that was headed clear, before Cable produced a moment of outrageous skill, leaving his man for dead with a sublime turn before attempting an ambitious lob from almost 50 yards that came to nought.

The Boys in Blue continued to ask questions before the interval. Cable’s delivery picked out Wright, whose shot was blocked inside the area, while moments later Cable raced through on goal only for an awkward bobble to take the ball away from him at the crucial moment. HT 0-1.

The Azzurri emerged after the interval with renewed purpose. Cable was inches away from levelling shortly after the restart when his header drifted agonisingly wide, and Wright then found him again, although Cable’s headed ball back into the danger area couldn’t quite be turned home.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 54th minute and it was a goal worthy of opening the club’s league account for the new season. Wright released Carmody, whose inviting cross was met by a diving header from Cable to spark Wezzie celebrations.

The momentum was now firmly with The Boys in Blue. Cable’s next effort took a deflection behind before Dacre headed the resulting corner back across goal. The ball appeared to strike a Keighley hand amid the scramble, but the ref waved away loud appeals.

Les Blues came within a whisker of completing the turnaround when Wright crashed a superb 25 yard free kick against the crossbar just after the hour. Flanagan replaced Wright soon afterwards, with Price coming on for Cleggy and Roberts taking over from Andrew as the De Blauwen searched for a winner.

Keighley reminded everyone they remained a threat with an long shot that cleared the bar, but it was The Blues who looked the more likely to snatch all 3 points. Roberts embarked on a fine run before seeing his shot well saved, Cable’s late header was comfortably gathered, and deep into stoppage time Sheard produced a sumptuous diagonal pass to release Cable, only for the keeper to race out and smother the chance. FT 1-1.

There was no late winner, but after falling behind Frickley showed plenty of determination to earn a point from the opening afternoon of the season. A battling display, honours even, and we’ll always take the point.

WEBMASTER MOTM – there were lots of very solid performances out there, Tyler Sheard, Harry Gagen, Josh Dacre, Joel Spence, Harry Carmody and Bailey Wright all shone. And the lads off the bench, Charlie Price, Jayden Roberts and Liam Flanagan, had impact. But the first competitive Glitterball of 26/27 goes to Sam Cable. The Power was a live wire every time he got the ball. Sterling work, Sam!

TWITTER MOTM – Sam Cable takes it from Josh Dacre, Harry Gagen and Tyler Sheard. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Josh Dacre was chosen by Kris Jowett. Well done, JD!

236 through the gate. Thank you for kicking off the season at The Wezzie. Your support makes it all worthwhile!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

To see the photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 28th July when we travel to Knaresborough Town, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD