Pickering Town v Frickley Athletic

Recap

For a few weeks now, I guess a few of us have been targeting this game as one that we should / could win – but thinking it & putting it into practice are different beasts, especially given the run that we’ve been on

The excuses were all queueing up before kick off if we needed them – a strong swirling wind, a threadbare squad (Tyler & Jude Adebayo have moved on – Big Dev / Tyreece / Kieran / Nath Perks / Joe Stacey / Piteu Crouz unavailable due to injury) & opposition fighting for their lives – but the 13 warriors stuck their chests out & got on with business

An elongated first half – due in part to the Pickering keeper having more costume changes than Danny La Rue (one for the youngsters…) – saw Frickley on the front foot & creating chances. 2 main talking points – a Joe West corner, helped on by the wind & a Frickley foot, looked to be well over the line but nothing was given (a bit like the Geoff Hurst goal in 66….but in reverse). Then in the 44th minute The Bomber burst into the box & was chopped down – penner – Josh Scott grabbed the ball & struck a lovely effort into the bottom corner, sending the keeper the wrong way & sitting him on Mother Kellys Doorstep (another one for the La Rue heads….). On the way to the game I asked the Mighty Ken how many penalties we had been awarded this season – answer is 2 – 1 in the league & 1 in Sheff Cup – so I can’t help but think that my enquiry played a big part in it – plus I was wearing my lucky watch…..

Pickering came at us more in the 2nd half – but the defence & midfield were strong meaning JP in goal was rarely troubled

On 77 minutes the Gaffer sent on 50% of our subs as Metts replaced Rod Orlando Young. 10 minutes later Public Enemy Number 1 did what he does best – through ball from Scotty, 1 touch to control it, 2nd touch to stick it in the onion bag. The shirt came off by way of celebration, revealing a ripped torso (pictured) that would be the envy of many an athlete. Metts is just old school…..

So we were 2 up – the last time that happened the Dead Sea wasn’t even poorly – but still time for a mini scare as we contributed an OG to make it 2-1 with seconds on the clock. But no further alarms, prompting scenes at the final whistle & the Haribo Ultras behind the goal gave a good display of ‘limbs’

Victoire was ours – & much deserved. A strong, skillful, battling display gave us the win – which was much merited based on recent performances

WEBMASTER MOTM – plenty to choose from. The defensive unit was very strong, giving The Hangman a relatively quiet afternoon. Excellent midfield & it was good to see Jimmy Matthews back in there & the Birthday Boys up top ran & ran. Then there was the Metts cameo….But I’m giving the Glitterball to Kegan Evs – he got kicked from start to finish but he just kept getting up & getting on with his job, His performance won’t feature on any highlights package – but he does all the heavy lifting that the team needs

TWITTER POLL MOTM – everyone loves a last minute winner! Metts gets the votes ahead of Josh Scott, Arun Jones & Kegan with The Falk also polling votes. Thank you to everyone who voted

157 through the gate with probably a third of those being Azzurri – a tremendous turn out, helped by Ian Clarksons wonderfully generous offer. Great noise from the Haribos too – they loved it.

Metts had this to say

We also spoke to JP after the game – his thoughts

The Gaffers interview will be available later – just got a few technical gremlins to sort out – the Nokia 3210 really struggled yesterday!

A weeks rest now & then we go again at Ossett next Saturday – it would be lovely to see lots of you at the game