Recap

Albion Sports 1 Frickley 4

The Blues mastered the blustery conditions and artificial surface to claim a commanding 4–1 triumph at Albion Sports, with 4 quality goals sealing another convincing performance. Despite the swirling wind, The Blues controlled proceedings for long periods and showed excellent composure and creativity from front to back.

The Blues showed intent from the off, testing the home keeper early as Robbo and Tom A both saw efforts held inside the opening 5 minutes.

The pressure continued when Robbo curled a shot over the bar before turning provider for Destiny, whose shot went millimetres past the upright and rippled the side netting.

On 20 minutes, The Azzurri broke the deadlock when Tom A floated in a teasing free kick that Radz met perfectly, guiding his header beyond the keeper to make it 1–0.

The advantage was doubled 4 minutes later. Destiny got to the byline and delivered a smart ball for Woody, who showed great awareness to chest the cross into the net.

Albion Sports pulled one back in the 36th minute when their number 4’s speculative volley, caught by the wind, flew unexpectedly into the top corner. It was a moment of frustration rather than fault for Booth, who was solid throughout.

The hosts briefly rallied, and even had the ball in the net a second time. Older readers who remember the ‘You are the ref’ feature in Shoot magazine will know that a throw that goes straight in isn’t a goal but results in a goal kick. I’d never seen it happen though. A combination of gusting wind and the bounce off a plastic pitch sent a throw in sailing over Booth into the onion bag but, despite Albion protests, a goal kick it was.

However, The Boys in Blue were not fazed and steadied the ship going into half time, with Robbo flashing one wide and Tom A forcing the keeper into another save from range. HT 1-2.

The Blues came out after the break searching for the cushion our dominance deserved. After an attritional 10 minutes, the goal we were looking for came in style. Tom A’s raking 56th minute ball released Robbo, who danced past his marker, and cracked the ball into the net from what looked an almost impossibly tight angle.

Things went from bad to worse for Albion minutes later when their goal scoring number 4 was shown a straight red for a nasty 2-footed tackle on Tom A. Destiny was also booked in the aftermath.

The Azzurri kept moving the ball around and refusing to be drawn into the game’s scrappier moments, although Radz picked up a yellow during a feisty spell.

Thus it was that chances continued to come. Jenko was denied a screamer of a goal by a fingertip save, while Cleggy and Robbo both went close as The Blues turned the screw in the closing moments.

Deep into stoppage time, a pair of Azzurri subs had the final word. A corner from one sub, Butch, dropped to Robbo, whose rasping shot was diverted past the helpless keeper by another sub, Cleggy, from close range to wrap up the win. FT 1-4.

We were fully deserving of the 3 points against physical opponents in tough conditions. And it’s always nice to complete a league double over a side with whom we share such a keen rivalry.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was another complete performance, we were disciplined at the back, sharp in attack and easy on the eye. Standouts included Radz, the rock steady goal machine, Rolls Royce Gagen, the evergreen Woolly, and the terrific trio of Robbo, Tom A and Destiny. But the Glitterball goes to Joel Spence who gave an object lesson in first class ratting. Aye aye, skipper!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Lucas Robinson, Tom Radley and Martyn Woolford. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence was chosen by Keith Walker. Well done, Joel!

57 through the gate, with more than 50% of the delegates present from the Confederated Realms of SESKU. We thank you for your service on such an ‘orrible night!

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

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

To see the goals, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Friday 12th December when Bottesford Town are our visitors to The Wezzie, 7.45pm kickoff. You can’t beat a bit of Friday night footy under the floodies! Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD