Recap

Campion 4 Frickley 0

The Azzurri’s trip to Bradford ended in a 4-0 defeat, with the contest heavily influenced by an early red card that left The Blues battling for over 75 minutes with 10 men.

The game began normally enough, with Tom A swinging in a dangerous cross inside 2 minutes that narrowly evaded teammates.

But on 15 minutes the match turned as Campion broke through on goal and Radz, as last man, pulled down the striker. The ref had little hesitation in showing a straight red and (you have no idea how much actual physical pain it causes me to write this) it looked the correct decision. From the resulting free kick, Campion failed to take advantage, missing the target by a yard. Then Frickley reshuffled with Tom A withdrawn from the wing to be replaced by defender Sam Collins.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, The Blues dug in. Robbo nearly improvised a breakthrough from a corner, his backheel scooped up by the home keeper, while Sykes twice denied Campion with safe stops. The hosts were restricted largely to long range efforts until the 41st minute, when a cross was hooked over Sykes to give them the lead.

Luis AF almost levelled it immediately when he raced clear but a defender got across to get a toe in.

In time added on, Campion doubled their advantage, pouncing on a rebound after Sykes’ initial save, though Blues protests about the probable offside went ignored. HT 2-0.

The Blues continued to battle after the restart, with Sykes again called into action to parry away an effort on 49 minutes. Luis AF whipped in a dangerous cross in the 64th minute, but with no one on hand to convert. Campion threatened from a corner soon after, hitting the post before firing over.

With legs tiring, The Azzurri introduced Tingle and Destiny, but Campion’s pressure told, late on. An 82nd minute attack down the left ended with the ball being slid over the line by a forward in a suspiciously offside looking position.

The Boys in Blue had fleeting moments through Destiny’s runs and Luis AF’s bursts forward, but ultimately the uphill task of playing the majority of the game a man short proved decisive.

To rub salt into the wounds, a stoppage time Campion strike, high into the net from about 12 yards, completed the rout. FT 4-0.

It wasn’t a 4-0 game but once we were down to 10 men and behind then it was always going to be a big ask to get anything out of the evening.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we demonstrated plenty of industry but the incision was less pronounced. Standouts included Sykes who kept the score down and Collins for coming on early to steady the ship after the dismissal. Luis AF and Ceesay provided much of the forward drive with Destiny providing late impetus. However, the Glitterball goes to Sam Kilner. His work ethic is an example to all. Skillage, SKilner!

TWITTER MOTM – Sam Kilner takes it from Joel Spence, Kieron Ceesay and Luis Afonso Ferreira. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Sam Kilner was chosen by Adam Nicholson. Well done, Killer!

137 through the gate apparently, with the most vociferous section being decidedly Blue. Thank you for travelling to the top end of Bradford in midweek to support the lads!

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

As an aside, at the very same time as we were playing at Campion, our U18s won 4-1 at Golcar United in the FA Youth Cup 1st Qualifying round, with first half braces from Joe Wilson and Lucas Brown. The draw for the next round is on Friday.

The Blues have no game on Saturday so The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 23rd September when SJR Worksop are our visitors for a 1st Round Sheffield Cup tie, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD