Barton Town v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Barton Town 1 Frickley 2

A brace from Al Keita and a battling team performance condemned top of the table Barton to their first league defeat of the season.

The game was only 8 minutes old when The Colonel played in Brandon Burke down the left flank, he whipped the ball across goal and Al Keita side footed it past the keeper to make it 1-0.

It could’ve been two when Keelan Grist was hauled to the ground in the box but the ref waved play on.

Barton were level in the 28th minute with their first significant attack. Ex-Blue Tom Davie hit the ball out wide, then the resultant cross was glanced into the net.

Brandon Murillo lashed a shot narrowly wide, ten minutes before half time. Otherwise, Barton were in the ascendancy for the remainder of the half, hitting the side netting and Ben Hall made an outstanding stop on the line to deny Barton what looked like a certain goal. HT 1-1.

The home side came at us from the off after the break but without creating any clear cut chances until around the hour mark when Chaz Preston made a stunning reflex save to keep it all square.

Just when it looked like The Azzurri had done enough to take a hard-earned point, Matty Hughes did what Matty Hughes does, and got the afterburners on down the right hand side. Then Al Keita did what Al Keita does, steering the cross into the bottom corner – after the defender swung and missed – to send the Blue Faithful wild. FT 1-2.

I think we’d have been happy with a point so we were ecstatic with all three cherries against Nathan Jarman’s very direct Barton team who were quick up front and had experience (including four ex-Blues) throughout their lineup. Ain’t footy brill?

WEBMASTER MOTM – everyone had a decent game, showing grit, determination and a remarkable work rate. We knocked it about quite nicely too. The back four gave Chaz Preston a fairly quiet arvo, defending like their lives depended on it, Ben Hall was probably the standout. But when called upon, Chaz P was in good nick and his handling was as safe as houses. Fletch and Kofi put in a shift in the engine room, Grist and Collier ran their blood to water, and Burke had his best game in a Blue shirt. But I’m giving the Glitterball to Al Keita. He lived up to his nickname, The Hawk, quartering the pitch with menace and pouncing on the chances when they fell to him. Felicitations fella.

TWITTER MOTM – Another dead heat! Ben Hall and Charlie Preston narrowly took it from Al Keita. Brandon Burke and Lewis Binns also polled. Thanks to all who voted.

352 in attendance, of which a decent number were from SESKU. A full supporters coach contributed to this in no small part. The lads really appreciate you all travelling so far to support them. Many thanks.

Click here to hear what manager Wayne Benn thought of the game.

And another big thanks to Joel ‘Motty’ Clarkson for jumping on the commentary mic in our hour of need. Sterling work!

Next Saturday, we’re at home to Irlam in the next round of the FA Vase, 3pm ko. Be there or be square, brothers and sisters…