Newcastle Town vs Frickley Athletic

Recap

It was just the sort of game I love – a battling, gritty performance, riding our luck at times, with a scruffy winner, and all three points, ta very much!

The only change to the side from last week’s game against Belper was Sam Cable coming in at right back (no, he really did!) to replace Nathan Hotte.

The opening quarter of an hour saw Jonny Margetts showing his menace, firing wide twice.

On 22 minutes, TJ pulled off his first stunning save of the day, a Jennings-esque stop with his legs when the Newcastle forward broke through one-on-one.

Midfield ping pong ensued for the next 15 minutes before a TJ and TJ combo (Tom and Toddy) thwarted a Newcastle breakaway. But Jacko had no time to relax, pushing a Newcastle drive over the bar a couple of minutes later.

The Azzurri finished the half with a flourish, Haze, Margs and Wellsy combining to put the home goal under pressure. Brad having The Blues best chance so far on the stroke of half time but the keeper stuck out a paw to palm away his stinging shot from 15 yards out. HT 0-0.

TJ carried on his fine form in the second period, tipping an early long range effort over the bar.

Newcastle were a very physical side for the full 90 minutes, but in the 52nd minute Brad Wells felt the sharp end of that physicality when he was fouled on the corner of the box, leaving him with a knock that would see him replaced by Sherbs shortly afterwards.

Not long after the hour, Newcastle broke again at pace but Sam Cable showed any naysayers exactly why he was at right back with a superb last ditch tackle as good as any you’ll see to prevent an almost certain goal.

Then with 16 minutes to go, Les Bleus won a free kick in the opposition half. Lofted into the box, Toddy beat the keeper to a hanging ball and nodded it back towards goal for Margs to apply the coup de grâce, bundling the ball over the line. One-nil!!

Minutes later, Newcastle’s big frontman had their best opportunity to get level, a free header on the edge of the six yard box but, no matter, TJ pouched it with aplomb.

The Blues expertly managed the closing stages of the game to take the win and the points. FT 0-1.

A classic feast of football it wasn’t, a classic smash and grab it was! And the commitment was obvious as the Boys in Blue threw themselves in front of anything and everything to ensure they got a result.

Here are the thoughts of the Gaffer & midfield engine Holli on the game

WEBMASTER MOTM – everyone put in an honest shift and simply played their heart out for the shirt. The standouts for me were those unsung heroes in the engine room, Cuz and Holli, and, at the heart of the defence, Toddy and Tom Davie. The front three were as predatory as usual. And a special mention for the Cable Guy who showed what a good footballer he is by coming in at fullback and looking like he’d been playing there for years. However, the Glitterball goes to Tom Jackson. TJ was at his imperious best and one suspects that were it not for him we might have returned from Staffordshire empty handed. Bravissimo Sir!

TWITTER MOTM – the Twittersphere agreed with TJ narrowly taking the honours from Sam Cable. Margs and Holli also polled. Bueno boys! Thanks to everyone who voted.

150 through the gate, with a considerable percentage from the SESKU area. The entire team coming over to shake hands with the travelling Blue faithful at full time was absolute class but also shows how highly your wonderful support is valued.

We’re next in action on Tuesday night when we face Swinton Athletic in the Quarter Final of the Sheffield Cup at the Wezzie, 7.45 pm ko. Hope to see you all there….