Frickley Athletic v Albion Sports

Recap

Frickley 2 Albion Sports 1

Zav Elkin-Sheppard’s injury time goal gave The Azzurri their first ever victory over last season’s losing playoff finalists, Albion Sports, as the visitors finished with 9 men in a card strewn encounter.

The one change in the starting lineup from the Taddy game was Harry Spooner coming in for the injured Jack Holden. New signing Jamie Tomlinson, on loan from Doncaster Rovers, and Josh Haigh, back from suspension, were on the bench.

It was all action from the off. Spooner had tested the Albion back four with a couple of runs and crosses, and Brooky had cleared off the line at the other end before 5 minutes was on the clock.

Albion almost went ahead in the 10th minute when their forward stabbed at a low cross but Hewitson made a top drawer reflex save.

On 12 minutes, Albion were down to 10 men as Nathan Cartman channelled his inner Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and received his second yellow card, and hence a red, for his forward somersault with half twist in pike.

Albion continued to put the pressure on, squandering a further chance, blazing over the bar.

Adam Hewitson was fortunate to stay on after coming out to do his bit as sweeper keeper and the forward went down like he’d been shot, despite no contact being made. Justice was almost done as he pushed the resulting free kick away.

The Blues did their best to make their numerical advantage count.  Varls created half chances for Spooner and Williams but they came to nought. And Gilly had a shot cleared as well.

It took a defensive combo to break the deadlock in the 41st minute. Cairney went on a little run then threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to McCormack steaming in from the wing and he lashed it in from a narrow angle.

Albion did all they could to go in level at the break, whipping in a cross/shot that Hewitson got a hand to before Brooky cleared, and seeing The Reflex make another fingertip save on the whistle. HT 1-0.

It was a cagey opening to the second period and it was 7 minutes until Albion broke clear, forcing Hewitson to nick the ball off the striker’s toes. Albion also found themselves in a great position in front of goal but volleyed well, well wide.

Playing down the hill, The Blues were looking for a second goal. Spence had a shot that the keeper touched over and Haighy, Gilly and Keano combined well but Haighy sliced the final shot wide.

With less than 10 minutes to go, the Albion forward gave Hewitson no chance as he met a cross inside the 6 yard box to score. On the balance of play, it was disappointing but probably deserved.

In an almost carbon copy of the goal scoring move, Albion headed against the bar.

The Azzurri redoubled their efforts with Haighy flicking the ball over over defender for Cleggy to volley but the keeper got behind it to avert the danger.

4 minutes into extras and it was looking like the spoils would be shared. However, Varls wasn’t done, playing in Zav and he didn’t need asking twice, burying it to cue scenez.

There was still time for Albion’s number 4 to earn himself a straight red card for dissent, leaving his side to finish the game with 9 men. FT 2-1.

What a finish to the game! We’ve been on the wrong end of that sort of result so many times, it was exhilarating to dish it out for once. And it’s 3 cherries in the bag whether you win pretty or win ugly. Come on you Blues!

WEBMASTER MOTM – it wasn’t our finest performance but wasn’t without moments of high quality and sheer cojones. Adam ‘The Reflex’ Hewitson kept us in it in the first half. Jack Cairney is a baller, his assist for the opener was class, and Harley’s finish was every bit its equal. Spoons and Brooky both stood up well to the Albion challenge. Keano and Joel Spence were ratters supreme and The Elk was still galloping down the flanks into time added on, taking his goal superbly. But for the second game on the spin, the Glitterball goes to Jack Varley. He’s simply an engine in perpetual motion. Viva Varls!

TWITTER MOTM – Keanan Mannings takes it from Jack Varley, Adam Hewitson and Harley McCormack. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence was chosen by Chris and Leslie. Well done, Joel 90!

147 through the gate. Your support was par excellence, thank you.

To hear the thoughts of the Z-Men, Zav Elkin-Sheppard and Zach cooper, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday, 24th August, when Campion are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD