Barton Town v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Barton Town 0 Frickley 1

(NCEL League Cup)

A late goal from Big Al Keita was the difference between the two sides in this closely fought but entertaining encounter and saw The Azzurri into the hat for the NCEL League Cup quarter finals.

The Gaffer’s only intended change to the starting lineup was that Wade Ripley came for Keanan Mannings but Josh Haigh pulled up in the warm up so Brandon Murillo stepped into the breach.

To the game itself. In the opening 10 minutes, the match remained tightly contested, with no clear opportunities emerging.

A Hollywood ball out of defence found Rip, wide on the right, in the 34th minute. Wade took a touch then pulled the trigger, his ambitious 25-yard strike rattling the bar, and simultaneously showcasing his attacking threat.

Bradders made a crucial save with his legs when one on one with the forward in the 37th minute. And on 41 minutes, he doubled down on making sure the scores were level at halftime when he hung onto a deflected shot. HT 0-0.

Barton knocked an attempt wide from inside the box, just after the break, while Bradders pouched a tame header 10 minutes later.

There was some controversy on the hour when El Binno headed to Lloydy and his shot hit the side netting, but he then got taken out by the keeper. Looked a penno from where I was stood but nowt given.

Bradders continued to impress with a pivotal save in the 65th minute, palming away a cross shot, but more contention followed as contact was made with Big Al in the area but again to no avail.

A Barton handball went unspotted in the 75th minute, resulting in them racing the length of the field only to blaze over.

Moments later, the home keeper thwarted The Colonel’s free kick, firmly pushing it away from danger.

Then with 11 minutes to go, the deadlock was broken.  Keegan’s header from Lloydy’s corner allowed Big Al to prod the ball past the keeper from close range, to make it 1-0 to The Blues.

In the dying moments of time added on, a Barton dive in the box saw no penalty awarded. Then the final whistle blew, sealing a fine victory for The Azzurri against a tough opposition.

A decent game and a decent win, looking more like the team we were a couple of months ago. And the clean sheet, our first since the Thackley game in November, was a thing of beauty!

WEBMASTER MOTM – I could make a very good case for everyone who played. We were rock solid in defence, creative yet well drilled in midfield and decidedly lively up front. And a special word for BMDub for stepping up at the last moment and playing a blinder. The Glitterball though has to go to Wade Ripley. He was like a non-league George Best – 8 stone wet through but every ounce made of quicksilver and stardust. However, I’m reliably informed there is no truth in the rumour that Rip celebrated the win until the early hours in Barton’s champagne bars with a former Miss North Lincolnshire & Humber Bridge. Bravo boys and Wunderbar Wade!

TWITTER MOTM – Wade Ripley was the clear winner, taking it from Keegan Townrow, Big Al Keita and Brandon Murillo. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Wade Ripley was chosen by Penny Wall. Well done, Rip!

111 through the gate with a goodly percentage making the trek from South Elmsall. Thank you for your much appreciated support!

To hear the thoughts of manager Pat McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 13th January when we are back in league action, hosting Maltby Main at The Wezzie, with a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley