Worksop Town 1 Frickley Athletic 2

Recap

Worksop Town 1 Frickley 2

The Azzurri left it late as super sub Leon Mettam netted the winner in a nail-biting victory at our old adversaries, Worksop Town.

In the opening half an hour, the game swung back and forth. Worksop hit the post in the first minute and, shortly after, forced Ben Bottomley into his first save in his three games for us. Then The Blues had a couple of digs from long range before Worksop did the same.

In the 27th minute we were a goal up as Joe Stacey lobbed in a high cross which the keeper fumbled over the goal line and the liner confirmed it, despite protests from The Tigers.

Worksop went almost straight down the other end and won a decidedly soft penalty which they duly dispatched to level the game.

Les Bleus had the better of the last 15 minutes of the half with the Wells boys linking up well and both having good chances. HT 1-1.

The second half started with further ebb and flow, Joe Stacey lofted his shot over the bar then Worksop had a free header, straight into Ben B’s waiting hands.

The hosts started to crank up the pressure, with several shots on goal and a series of corners, all well defended.

A draw and a hard-earned away point was looking the most likely outcome when Reiss Harrison’s 89th minute through ball ended up in front of Metts, on as sub, 8 yards from goal. Metts put his laces through the ball, drilling it low into the net. Wild Frickley celebrations ensued. FT 1-2.

Folk might call it a smash and grab win but that would imply that The Azzurri didn’t do enough to deserve the win and that the home team were robbed. Neither of those statements are true. What a game! Also – stat attack – in taking 12 points from our first 15, that’s our best start in the league since 1991/92.

WEBMASTER MOTM – A great performance, I could genuinely make a case for anyone. Going forward, Brad and Kieran Wells worked their socks off, Joe Stacey was ever lively and Metts was razor sharp. Frecks, Kegan and Woolly were peerless in the engine room. The defensive unit of Nathan W, Brad B and Danny Burns were rock solid and the wingbacks, Tyler and Reiss, were dogged in defence and dangerous in attack. However, the Glitterball goes to keeper, Ben ‘The Bottom Line’ Bottomley. He’s had virtually nothing to do for 2 games but here he showed what he’s capable of – more super-safe handling and some crucial shot stopping! Well done sir!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – Leon Mettam took the honours for his match winning cameo, just ahead of Brad Beatson, followed by Ben Bottomley and then Tyler Williams. Thanks to everyone who voted.

534 through the gate with an impressive and vociferous contingent from SE. Thank you for your support, it really means a lot.

Here’s what Ava and Dave Frecks and Metts had to say about the game.