Frickley Athletic U-23’s were crowned West Riding East league champions last night with another hard fought victory against a good Ilkley Town side, who despite the scoreline pushed the hosts all the way.
Frickley Athletic U-23’s 5 Ilkley Town U-21’s 1
Frickley U-23’s knew a win against Ilkley Town would present them with the league title in their first season together and they started brightly with Josh Haigh and Wade Ripley playing their 2nd game in 2 days, showing no signs of tiredness.
Captain Wade Ripley was actually playing his 4th game in 5 days which was an unbelievable effort particularly with his constant involvement in the 1st half. Mid way through the half Josh Haigh scored the opening goal with a trade mark left foot thunder bolt across the keeper into the bottom corner.
The home side’s defence of Harry Alexander, Josh Lockwood, Nathan Fletcher and Sam Cullingworth were all superb, restricting the visitors to very few 1st half chances.
Frickley were driven on by the talented Ben Ellison-Tope whose strong midfield running was causing the visitors problems, he was backed up by midfield general Callum Beaumont who as usual never shirked a challenge and was neat and tidy in possession.
A combination of good goalkeeping, brave defending from the visitors and poor finishing saw the game to be still be in the balance at half time.
But in the opening few minutes of the second half Brandon Fearn danced his way through the visitors defence to score a great individual goal after good play from the hard working Lee Jordan who was mighty impressive in Frickley’s midfield again.
Substitutes Harley Holt and Charlie Clegg were introduced for some fresh legs to replace the tiring Josh Haigh and Wade Ripley (what an effort from those two!).
Charlie Clegg instantly scored his customary goal when Ben Ellison-Tope broke free on the left to superbly cross for Charlie to fire home.
3-0 and game over? You would have thought so, but Ilkley were not done, they were awarded a dubious penalty after Lewis Fox was adjudged to have fouled the Ilkley player, the penalty was duly dispatched for 3-1.
Isaac Jeffreys, Taine Clement and George Bland were all introduced for the final 20 minutes to hopefully get Frickley over the line. Â And their impact was instant as Isaac superbly played in Taine who cut inside and was just about to shoot when he was fouled in the box, penalty. Up stepped Charlie Clegg who confidently fired the spot kick home with a powerful strike with only 10 minutes to go.
Ben Ellison-Tope fired in a superb inswinging free kick which was glanced into the net by Harley Holt to make it 5-1. Time to get that champagne out and celebrate a league title.
Bob Smith motm was deservedly shared between Ben Ellison-Tope and Harry Alexander, Ben ran his socks off and was a constant threat going forward having a hand 2 goals whilst Harry showed his class from right back not putting a foot wrong and showing maturity way beyond his young age.
Summary –
Unbeaten league champions is a testament to all the players that have represented Frickley Athletic U-23’s this season, they are a credit to the club, some of the football they have played all season has been a joy to watch.
Well done and certainly well deserved.
Click here for U23s boss Martin Beaumont’s thoughts.
