Recap

Beverley Town 1 Frickley 4

The Azzurri produced a sensational away performance at Beverley Town, eventually storming to a 4-1 victory in a game packed with incident, controversy, and moments of real quality.

The Blues showed intent from the off. In the 7th minute Destiny’s surging run and pull back almost created the opener, but Butch saw the ball nicked off his toes at the crucial moment. Then Kilner’s hanging delivery forced the Beverley keeper into action before Tom A could get a head in.

The Azzurri forward line continued to threaten, and on 16 minutes Destiny raced through and coolly lobbed the keeper, only to be denied by a late offside flag. At the other end, Gagen made a vital intervention to snuff out a promising Beverley attack.

The game exploded into controversy in the 24th minute when Robbo was brought down on the edge of the box by the last defender. To general disbelief, the ref only produced a yellow card. Justice, however, was swiftly served from the resulting free kick, Tom drilled a wormburner through the wall and into the corner to put us one up.

A flurry of cards followed as Kilner and Jenko were both cautioned in quick succession, the latter in farcical fashion after the the liner audibly told the ref it was a Frickley free kick and to give the Bev forward a yellow. So he booked Jenko. Obvs.

From there on into the interval, The Boys in Blue were forced into a rearguard action as Bev threw men forward. The Blues defended stoutly amid a storm of home appeals and theatrics. HT 0-1.

So often lately, the game has run away from us in the second half, but not this time. The Azzurri came flying out of the traps after the break. Luis jinked into the box on 50 minutes but was dispossessed as he prepared to pull the trigger, before Robbo hit the keeper’s outstretched foot with the goal gaping.

4 minutes later came the reward for the pressure. A perfectly weighted ball over the top from Spence found Destiny, who steadied himself and lashed a superb angled finish past the home keeper to make it 2–0.

Tom almost made it 3 shortly after when he charged down a clearance. The hosts’ sporadic attacks were capably dealt with by a resolute Blue backline. This was typified by TK’s outstanding last ditch challenge in the 73rd minute that prevented a near certain goal. Gagen’s bone crunching block tackle was a close second.

Frickley struck again with 15 minutes left. Spence headed out to Destiny and he turned provider, slipping Robbo through to calmly slot home our third of the afternoon.

With the game seemingly under control, Les Blues made changes, Sheard replacing Luis, and caretaker boss Woolly coming on for Butch, as we looked to see the game out.

Beverley finally pulled one back in the 85th minute, after Sykes pulled off a stunning reflex save, they reacted quickest to the rebound to make it 1-3.

The Blues responded with more fresh legs, handing debuts to U18s Ashton Johnson and Jack Horobin, while Wilson also replaced Spence.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Bev squandered a glorious chance by blazing over from close range and they were punished emphatically. Deep into time added on, debutant Johnson slid a neat ball to Tyler Sheard, who showed fantastic composure to slot through the keeper’s legs for number 4, putting the result beyond doubt. A sweet moment for Sheard, especially after missing an open goal in Thursday’s U18s FA Youth Cup tie, a testament to his mental strength and resilience. FT 1-4.

What a display! Like the Penistone game plus the goals we deserved. We’ve always known that this group can play but I did not see that coming. It’d be nice to take that confidence and level of execution into our upcoming games but let’s enjoy these moments when they come along too.

WEBMASTER MOTM – a real team effort with everyone playing their part. The back 4 of Gadge, Kilner, Jenko and TK dug in and defended the trenches for all they were worth. Sykesy’s handling was as precise as a bomb disposal expert. Butch and Spence were guerillas, skirmishing in the midfield. Robbo, Tom and Luis were a fleet footed cavalry charge, whilst Destiny was the big gun. And then there were the reinforcements, Brigadier Woolford and Sargeant Wilson steadying affairs with the 3 young corporals, Horobin, Johnson and Sheard, piling the pain on Bev. So it should come as no surprise that the Glitterball goes to the whole battalion. Congrats, comrades!

TWITTER MOTM – The whole team takes it from All of ‘em. Thanks to all who voted 😉

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – the whole team was chosen by Christ Lewis. Well done, fellas!

333 through the gate, with plenty from The Azure Protectorate of SESKU. We thank you for going to Hull and back in your support for The Boys in Blue. It means the world to them!

To hear the thoughts of caretaker gaffer, Martyn Woolford, click here.

To see footage of the goals, click here.

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 11th October when Handsworth are our visitors to The , 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD