Recap

Albion Sports 2 Frickley 1

The Blues were edged out in cruel fashion by Albion Sports’ injury time winner late after a game in which The Blues had done more than enough to take something from the contest.

The opening stages were closely fought, with Les Bleus having to adjust to the pace of the plastic pitch. In the 8th minute, Price’s free kick was comfortably caught by the Albion goalkeeper, before Cleggy went closer 5 minutes later, turning sharply to shoot, only to see his effort saved.

Albion were looking to bypass the midfield with a steady supply of long balls, with Purks and Dacre at the front of the queue to deal with the aerial challenge.

The hosts had yet to seriously trouble the Frickley goal, though, while Los Azules main threat was coming from set pieces. A 27th minute Humphreys free kick caused problems, the keeper getting a hand to the delivery before Cleggy hooked the ball back into the danger area, only for the goalkeeper to claim it at the second attempt.

Albion sent a header well wide after a cross 3 minutes later, while Cable volleyed over from the corner of the area in the 33rd minute.

The best chance of the half arrived in stoppage time. Humphreys’ shot was cleared off the line, with the loose ball falling to Cleggy, whose follow up suffered the exact same fate. Albion will have breathed a sigh of relief after 2 goalline interventions in such quick succession. HT 0-0.

Andrew and Tom A were introduced for Humphreys and Cleggy at the interval, with Flan being brought on for Willo shortly afterwards.

The second half initially followed the pattern of the first. The game remained extremely tight, with neither side able to establish a clear foothold.

Cable saw a snapshot skid narrowly wide in the 63rd minute. Albion briefly thought they had taken the lead 2 minutes later when a header found the net, but the flag was raised for offside.

Roberts replaced Gadge – who took a knock on the unforgiving artificial surface – as The Azzurri continued to probe. In the 69th minute, Cable raced down the left and whipped a cross towards Andrew, although the pace on the ball saw it deflect awkwardly off his head.

However, moments later, the same combination produced the piece of magic needed to get our noses in front. Cable burst clear down the left, and bearing down on the keeper, he unselfishly squared to Andrew, allowing to him calmly slot into the unguarded net.

Carmody came on for Cable as Frickley looked to protect their advantage, but Albion found an equaliser in the 81st minute. An Albion attacker cut inside as Dacre slipped on the plastic turf, and the resulting diagonal strike found the far corner.

The Blues continued to push for a response and were denied what looked a particularly harsh offside decision in the 89th minute, with Flan penalised while in the box.

Then, deep into time added on, Frickley heart were broken. Albion charged into the box and, from a tight angle, hit a low shot past the Allinson to snatch all 3 points. FT 2-1.

It was a harsh ending for Les Bleus, who had competed throughout, survived Albion’s aerial bombardment, created the clearer openings for long periods and twice been denied by goal line clearances. A share of the spoils would have been a fair reward, but Madame Football can be an unforgiving mistress. On to the next…

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a tough battle on a tough surface with a tough final reckoning but, as ever, there were standouts, these included Jamie Purkiss, Sam Cable, Will Jenkinson and the skip, Joel Spence, who typified the grit that we showed for much of the 90 minutes. However, the Glitterball goes to Josh Dacre. He would’ve headed away bricks if he’d had to. Jawohl, Judgement Dacre!

VOLUNTEERS’ MOTM – Sam Cable and Will Jenkinson were jointly chosen by a majority of the Blues volunteers at the game. Well done, Sam!

125 through the gate, with what looked like a majority from The Triumvirate of SESKU. Bradford on a week night? You have our eternal gratitude.

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Lee Morris, click here.

With thanks to Chris Howden for the accompanying picture.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 3rd October when we travel to Bottesford Town, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD