Recap

Bottesford Town 1 Frickley 0

The Blues fell to another agonising 1-0 defeat on the plastic at Bottesford in a match where the two sides largely cancelled each other out. The Blues were ultimately undone by a single second half gone that probably should have been disallowed.

The game began with Bottesford almost seizing the lead inside the opening 3 minutes. A long ball forward caused problems in the Frickley defence, and after Collins appeared to be illegally nudged off balance, the home striker raced through on goal. Fortunately for The Blues, the effort struck the post and bounced out for a goal kick.

Otherwise, the opening stages were scrappy, with both sides battling for control. On 13 minutes, Bottesford fashioned a half chance from a cross, but the midfielder arriving late could only send his effort over the bar. Moments later, Frickley began to settle somewhat, Luís AF delivering from the right before the danger was cleared by a covering defender.

The first real clear cut opportunity for The Azzurri arrived on 16 minutes. Destiny twisted and turned out wide before whipping in an excellent cross that found Tom A. His header forced a fingertip save from the home keeper, who had to claw the ball away, low to his right.

As the half wore on, the contest remained competitive but disjointed, with niggly and questionable fouls breaking up the rhythm. Spence dragged a shot wide on 34 minutes after Radz flicked the ball into his path, and shortly after Robbo delivered a teasing ball across the face of goal that somehow evaded everyone.

Bottesford reminded those present of their threat at the other end, on 39 minutes, when Sykes was needed to be quick to block a shot before tipping the follow up effort over the bar.

Not long before the break, The Blues created another opening when Tom A’s cross found Radz at the far post, and his header caused panic in the Bottesford box before being scrambled behind for a corner. From the resulting set piece, the keeper claimed under pressure but went down holding the ball, much to the frustration of the Blue contingent.

A late yellow card for a Bottesford man following a foul on Spence summed up the combative nature of the first period. HT 0-0.

The second half, however, began in the worst possible fashion for The Azzurri. On 47 minutes, Bottesford were awarded a free kick on the right, and after a blatant push by the forward, the delivery was flicked on into the bottom corner. Anywhere else on the pitch and it’s given as a Frickley free kick. So it was a bitter blow after a dogged showing to that point and left The Blues with work to do.

To their credit, The Boys in Blue responded with determination. A sustained spell of pressure saw The Blues push Bottesford back, with Luís AF continuing to cause problems on the right flank.

On 61 minutes, Bottesford thought they had doubled their advantage, bundling the ball into the net, but the liner’s flag had been raised long before, and the goal was ruled out.

As the half progressed, Frickley continued to plug away. Luís AF again delivered an excellent cross on 64 minutes, only for a defender to intervene at the last second. At the other end, Sykes was called upon once more, producing a fine save from a counter attack to keep Los Azules in the game.

The Blues’ best chance of the half came on 84 minutes. Jenko whipped in a brilliant cross from the left, and Radz threw himself at it with a diving header that looked destined for the bottom corner. Somehow the Bottesford goalkeeper pulled off a superb stop to preserve his side’s slender lead.

Despite their late efforts, the final whistle came before The Azzurri could find the equaliser required. FT 1-0.

The Blues were left to reflect on a match in which they created opportunities but lacked the decisive finish. There were positives, particularly the continued hard work throughout, but will feel deeply frustrated at leaving empty handed. One controversial set piece ultimately separated the two sides on an evening when De Blauwen did enough to warrant a share of the points.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a slightly workmanlike performance that just lacked that final coup de grace. There was certainly no lack of industriousness. Standouts included Will Sykes who saved us more than once, the ever threatening Luis Afonso Ferreira and all the C’s – cool, calm, collected Cody Collins. But the Glitterball goes to Tom Radley. As sure as day follows night and that plastic is the death of the game, Radz’s consistency is the pick of the bunch for the second game on the spin. Respect, Radz!

TWITTER MOTM – Tom Radley and  Luis Afonso Ferreira jointly take it, narrowly, from Will Sykes and Cody Collins in one of the closest polls we’ve ever had. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Tom Radley was chosen by Phil Cooper. Well done, Radz!

212 through the gate, with a good old few from the province of SESKU. Thank you for going all that way on a midweek evening, it means so much!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 23rd August when Maghull of the NWCFL are our visitors, 3pm kickoff, in the 1st qualifying round of the FA Vase. The march to the arch starts here. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD