Recap

Eccleshill United 1 Frickley 0

The Blues made the long trip to Keighley, knowing a win could take us further clear of the relegation zone. Instead, an exasperating afternoon on a poor surface saw a soft penalty send Les Bleus to a narrow defeat against an opportunistic Eccleshill side, dropping us to 15th in the table.

The Blues were immediately on alert, with Kilner cutting out a dangerous cross inside the first minute.

7 minutes in, the same player turned provider, with a pin point ball  to Andrew, whose effort flashed agonisingly wide from a prime position.

Andrew was involved again shortly after, teeing up Robbo for a shot that was saved. Robbo then set off on a dazzling solo run, skipping past 3 defenders before dragging his shot wide.

Eccleshill’s first attempt worthy of the name came on the half hour, but Syksey was more than equal to the long range strike.

In the 32nd minute, Love found Tom A in space, but the bobble betrayed him and his shot veered off target.

The Azzurri continued to press. Robbo and Tom A combined neatly to set up Andrew who skewed his shot well wide.

Just before the break, Lindley’s teasing cross narrowly evaded Andrew’s head, leaving us to go in goalless. HT 0-0.

Love produced a vital block early on, but from then on The Boys in Blue continued the second period with intent.

Robbo’s low cross was smothered by the keeper. He remained lively, curling a shot just wide from the edge of the box.

Andrew’s 66th minute blast at goal was blocked, and Price’s follow up stung the keeper’s palms.

Spence then embarked on a determined run to earn a corner, from which Robbo’s flick had to be deftly cleared.

Luis AF replaced Tom A and quickly linked up well with Kilner, though the cross was dealt with. From the resulting throw in, Price fired over.

Spence then drilled a low shot wide, not long after.

Cable came on for Andrew, and Cleggy replaced Lindley. Cleggy wasted no time in getting amongst it, his header from Kilner’s cross being safely hung onto.

The difficult pitch had the final say in the 84th minute when the ball kicked and caught under Gagen’s feet causing his back pass to be under hit and Sykesy body checked the Eccy forward just inside the box. The ref took an age to decide that it was a spot kick. The hosts duly dispatched the penalty. The goal was harsh on The Blues, who had looked the more likely to score throughout.

The damage was done and Eccleshill managed the closing few minutes without too many issues. FT 1-0.

The Azzurri were the better team for 90 minutes and will feel hard done by after being sunk by a late penno as a result of an unpredictable pitch. However, more of a killer instinct in front of goal might have avoided this outcome. The Boys in Blue must now regroup ahead of our next fixture and show a favourable response.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we had most of the play but couldn’t develop the rhythm needed to make that count. Still, there were positives, Sam Kilner and Liam Love were threatening on the overlap, Harry Viggars was rock solid at the back, and Tom Alngohuru and Elliot Andrew kept the Eccy defence on their toes. But the Glitterball goes jointly to Lucas Robinson and Joel Spence. Robbo was involved in all the best stuff we produced going forwards. Whilst, to paraphrase a comment from one of our esteemed fans (ta, Wak!), 71% of the Earth is covered by water and the rest is covered by Joel Spence. Cheers, fellas!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Lucas Robinson, Harry Viggars and Sam Kilner. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence was chosen by James Brownley. Well done, Skip!

61 through the gate, with well over half of those from The Three Elder Realms of SESKU. We thank you for  your dedication, travelling all the way to Keighley to get behind The Boys in Blue!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Friday 20th March when Wombwell Town are or visitors to The Wezzie for a Friday night derby under the lights, 7.45pm kickoff. Don’t miss this one! Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD