Campion FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Campion 2 Frickley 1

The Blues lost a third away game on the spin but put up a tremendous fight at last season’s NCEL Premier Division runners up.

There were 3 changes to the starting lineup as Butchart, Brewin-Hawkins and the Gaffer himself came in to replace the suspended Spence and Elkin while Cawthorn moved to the bench.

The home side swung in a dangerous cross as early as the 2nd minute but Butch and HDH dealt with it.

Not to be outdone, Chippy went on a mazy run before feeding Gilly but the defender nicked it off his toe.

Near the quarter of an hour mark, HDH made a reflex save to a low shot from a few yards out.

On 22 minutes, Campion took the lead. A cross field ball found their winger in acres of space, he charged towards goal, cut inside and stuck it in the bottom corner.

A scrappy spell followed as Campion headed over and Claisse and Varls created a chance for Cleggy but he lifted his shot over.

With 4 minutes to go before the interval, Gilly was sent sprawling to win a free kick 20-odd yards out. Gilly got up to hit said kick low and hard, straight into the net for his 10th goal of the season. HT 1-1.

The second half wasn’t 3 minutes old when a momentary defensive lapse allowed the hosts to get their noses front again. After losing the ball in the lights, we failed to defend a corner properly until it was too late and Campion put the loose away from a couple of yards out.

The Azzurri’s half time jaffas started to kick in and we slowly cranked up the pressure. However, Campion were quick to close down threats and a decent chance simply wouldn’t come.

Butch crossed to Chippy but his volley lacked power and the keeper held onto it.

The Boys in Blue continued to play some nice football but with no end product.

With around 20 minutes left, the Gaffer made a raft of changes, including Kenzie Dillon making his debut and Tommo returning to action.

Campion had a snapshot from 35 yards and HDH made a stunning save, pushing it around the post.

As the clock ticked down, sub Harrison Rowley beat his man for pace and whipped the ball into the mixer but it was cleared. Then in time added on, The Blues had a string of corners that came to nought. One of these lead to a swift  Campion break, but as they were closing in on goal, 1 on 1 with HDH, Tommo had made a lung-busting 80 yard run to make a last ditch tackle. FT 2-1.

We didn’t half give ‘em a game but in the end we just couldn’t find the equaliser that would’ve got us a share of the points. It’s coming, keep the faith…

WEBMASTER MOTM – Took a bit of time to get going in each half but once we did, we were tigerish. RBH and Brooky were solid, and HDH was safe as houses. Chippy was an absolute live wire, Cleggy was gritty and Gilly moved into double figures for the season with a pearler of a strike. Tom Claisse was a one man masterclass in playing keep ball. And the subs, Rowley, Dillon, Cawthorn and Tommo were a breath of fresh air. But the Glitterball goes to Niall Butchart. He might not be the biggest in stature but his courage and determination were huge. Bang on, Butch!

TWITTER MOTM – Rob Guilfoyle takes it from Tom Claisse, Niall Butchart and Marcel Chipamaunga. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – it was a joint award as Rob Guilfoyle and Niall Butchart were chosen by Mark Ainge and David Carr. Well done, fellas!

It was claimed that there were 101 through the gate. What was more certain is that over half present were from the SESKU area. And a jaunt to the top end of Bradford shows impressive loyalty. We thank you all!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 7th December, when Rossington are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD