Recap

Barton Town 1 Frickley 0

The Blues suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat away at Barton Town in a match where our effort and endeavour went unrewarded, and where the decisive moment came under a cloud of controversy.

The Blues started brightly. On 12 minutes, Destiny caused real problems down the flank, his run forcing a scramble in the box and earning a corner. 7 minutes later, another good spell of possession resulted in a second corner, with Tom A’s short delivery creating havoc in the Barton area. A shot crashed against the post before Spence fired the rebound over.

But on 22 minutes, Barton took the lead in dubious circumstances. A run down the right saw a Barton forward go clean through, looking several yards offside. Will Sykes made an excellent save from the initial effort, but Lewis Stephens was on hand to tap in the rebound.

The hosts threatened little in open play, with one wayward effort in the 32nd minute getting an lbw on the cricket pitch next door. Meanwhile, The Blues kept pressing, Destiny heading narrowly over from a wicked Tom A delivery on 39 minutes.

Sykes then averted the danger caused by a cross just before the break by stopping an unmarked header at the back post. HT 1-0.

The Azzurri came out strong in the second half. Destiny again forced the keeper into action on 48 minutes, while at the other end, Sykes pulled off a superb double save to deny Barton on 54 minutes. Destiny struck the upright on 63 minutes as The Azzurri continued to pile on the pressure.

The match had its share of questionable officiating, with some odd advantage calls and a couple of suspect bookings for Kilner and Spence. And a challenge that left Sam Tingle with rather more than a tingling sensation went unpunished.

In the closing stages, Tingle unleashed a stunning strike, only to see it tipped over by the Barton keeper to send The Azzurri home empty handed. FT 1-0.

Another encouraging display from The Blues, we certainly weren’t disgraced, but were undone by a decision that rankles a bit. If the old adage is true, perhaps these things will even themselves out over the course of the season. We live in hope….

WEBMASTER MOTM – the only thing the lads did wrong was not sticking the ball in Barton’s net. The whole team is looking very competitive but the Glitterball goes jointly to Will Sykes for crucial saves, Sam Kilner for solid fullbackery, and Destiny who did everything but score. Tebrikler, Tri-Hards!

TWITTER MOTM – Destiny takes it from Cody Collins, Joel Spence and Sam Kilner. Will Sykes also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Will Sykes was chosen, by Mark Ainge. Well done, Sykesy!

301 through the gate, with a formidable SE contingent. Thank you for travelling all that way to back The Boys in Blue!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Tom Claisse, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 16th August when Thackley are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD