Frickley Athletic v Albion Sports

Recap

Frickley 1 Albion Sports 2

The Azzurri put up a spirited fight against Albion Sports but after taking the lead couldn’t hold out as the visitors scored a late winner.

Callum Bradbury and Luke Walker returned to the starting lineup, replacing Harry Allen and Zak Kersey who moved to the bench alongside Rieves Boocock, Calim Proctor and, back from injury, Zav Elkin.

The first 20 minutes were like a game of chess with each side probing for weaknesses. Collier struck a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box and Lloydy’s free kick was safely fielded by the opposition keeper.

An Albion forward beat Bradders to the ball in the 24th minute but hit the side netting with the open goal at his mercy.

On the half hour, Ash Flynn flicked the ball over the defence for his strike partner to volley goalwards, forcing a super save by Bradders.

Trading blows, Big Al’s diving header from Lloydy’s free kick, hit the post, and Lloydy’s subsequent shot was saved.

Within seconds, Bradders was back in action, making another great save from Ash Flynn.

On the stroke of half time, Patts saw his shot cleared off the line then in the ensuing melee Big Al got the last touch to poke the ball into the net to put The Azzurri ahead. HT 1-0.

After Keegan side footed an early Lloydy free kick into the keeper’s clutches, Albion held the upper hand.

Just after the hour, Albion almost got clear after a slip by Ant Onoh but he made a good recovery to avert the danger. Bradders made another crucial stop with his feet from Ash Flynn.

In the 66th minute, Albion levelled it after breaking at speed. The Blues won the ball only to underhit a back pass for Ash Flynn to nip in and score. Bradders got a hand to it but the ball trickled over the line.

The gifted equaliser gave the visitors the impetus to push for another goal. Ant O cleared off the line. Flynn got in behind the Thin Blue Line but scuffed his shot straight at Bradders, and when Albion got in again the ball got caught under the forward’s feet

The Boys in Blue did their utmost to turn the tide in the last quarter of an hour. Sky Walker was scythed down by the keeper in the box. It looked a penno but the ref waved it away.

Big Al headed over inches over the bar and Lloydy’s free kick went the same way.

But with 5 minutes of normal time to go The Blues were cruelly denied a share of the points as the Albion squared from the left and Ash Flynn whipped a shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Albion successfully negotiated the final minutes plus over 10 minutes of normal time to record a victory than had their squad leaping around the pitch at full time. FT 1-2.

The differences between winning and losing were very fine, and on another day we might’ve nicked that one. Thus, it was heartbreaking to lose it so late but we saw a definite reaction after the drubbing at Golcar in midweek. Let’s have more of that next week at Eccleshill.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a much improved performance by all. Bradders was in fine form. Antony Onoh was willing and hardworking. Morgan James was creative and dogged in equal measure. Sky Walker was combative. And Big Al was subjected to some rough stuff but did his best to take it in his stride. However, the Glitterball goes to Richard Patterson. Patts was back to his best, controlling the engine room. Perfecto, Patts!

TWITTER MOTM – Callum Bradbury takes it from Morgan James, Richard Patterson and Big Al Keita. Antony Onoh also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Big Al Keita was chosen by Alex Hewitt, Shane Maughan, Chris Medwell, Mick Holmes, Geoff Tulley and James Brownley. Well done, Big Al!

181 through the gate. Your vocal support was much appreciated.

To hear the thoughts of assistant manager John Stancliffe, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 2nd March when we travel to Eccleshill United for a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley