Frickley Athletic v Barton Town

Recap

Frickley 1 Barton Town 1

An injury time equaliser from an unlikely source, goalkeeper Callum Bradbury, gave The Azzurri a share of the spoils after going behind to a goal by Barton’s ex-Blue Sam Cable, to remain third in the table.

The gaffer rotated his squad, bringing Lewis Binns, Zav Elkin and Jake Hemingway into the starting 11 as Josh Haigh, Brandon Murillo and Richard Collier moved to the bench along with the returning Eliel Anku.

Barton started on the front foot, forcing 2 great saves from Callum Bradbury in the first 10 minutes.

The Blues eased themselves into the game with several opportunities. Great interplay almost set up El Binno, but Barton’s defence cleared the danger. Then Big Al teed up Rieves but his shot was blocked and cleared before Big Al had a curling effort of his own saved.

Morgan James orchestrated a quality break but his pass just evaded Rieves. Rieves then had the best opportunity of the game so far, getting clear and going one on one with the keeper but The Wezzie Bobble did for him so he couldn’t put his laces through it, chance gone.

The feisty nature of the game continued as Barton repeatedly went down easily yet were leaving a bit in more than one tackle themselves, Bradders falling victim to one such challenge.

In the 36th minute, Barton shot inches over the bar, reminding all present of the threat they posed.

Just before half time, Barton’s keeper cleaned out Rieves Boocock in the box, penner awarded.

Surprisingly, the ref decided that this assault didn’t warrant a card despite Rieves requiring extensive treatment. The gaffer, Pat McGuire, on the other hand was sent to the stands after receiving a yellow and a red card in quick succession in the ensuing melee. Reportedly, this was for the volume of his response rather than any inappropriate language. Not the first or last piece of ‘interesting’ officiating of the day. When the penalty was finally taken, Big Al tamely side footed the ball low into the diving/falling keeper’s hands, the complete antithesis to last week’s top spot kick against Eccleshill. HT 0-0.

The visitors came out after the break with the sort of renewed vigour that a penalty miss often engenders. The Blues were defending like their lives depended on it though.

Rieves was still in the thick of it with a pair of good strikes on goal going just wide. And when Lloyd Smith saw his shot on the turn parried away, Boocock’s follow up toe poke hit the post before being cleared.

But in the 69th minute, Barton got the goal they’d been threatening as Sam Cable, on as sub, got down to head in a loose ball from about a foot out.

The Boys in Blue weren’t giving in but it was all a bit laboured as The Elk whipped in dangerous cross that evaded everyone and sub Big Ank’s turn and shot was pouched by the keeper.

Bradders kept the deficit to a single goal, making a reflex stop in the 87th minute.

Deep into time added on it was looking desperate as The Azzurri won a corner and Bradders was urged to go up for it – a sure sign of last chance saloon. But Lloydy’s set piece was inch perfect, straight onto the head of our young keeper who directed his header though a sea of bodies and into the net. Cue scenes. Not that it was ever in doubt but these boys proved they really do care.

It still wasn’t over, in the last minute of play, Brandon Murillo, on as substitute for no more than 60 seconds, made a stunning last ditch tackle that, had he not got there, would almost certainly have seen Barton score a winner. FT 1-1.

To quote Hannah, one of our programme sellers and much valued volunteers, “What a bloody match!” It certainly wasn’t one for those with delicate tickers and I think we all needed our beta blockers at the end of that one. If you can’t win then don’t lose. Decent sides just find a way to get something out of games when they’re not on their A game.

WEBMASTER MOTM – everybody grafted and played for the shirt. You can’t ask for much more. At the back, Keegan and Varls were immense, Jake H was dogged and The Elk was everywhere. Keanan, Jamesy, El Binno and The Colonel scrapped like it was personal in the middle of the park. Up top, Big Al and Lloydy were indefatigable, and on another day, Rieves puts away 2 or 3. However, the Glitterball can only go to one man, Callum Bradbury. He stops ‘em at one end AND then he goes and scores ‘em at the other. What a hero! Brilliant, Bradders!

TWITTER MOTM – In one of the most one-sided votes we’ve ever had, with over 80% of the votes Callum Bradbury takes it from Morgan James, Keanan Mannings and Keegan Townrow. Lloyd Smith also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Callum Bradbury was chosen by fellow member of the goalkeeper’s union, Terry ‘Trautmann’ McCroakam. Well done Bradders!

199 through the gate. Thank you for your astonishing and partisan support!

To hear the thoughts of the assistant manager, Blake Campbell, click here. And click here to see what man of the moment Callum Bradbury had to say.

Next Saturday’s game against Emley has been postponed as a result of their involvement in the FA Cup. So The Blues are next in action Tuesday 3rd October when we travel to Hallam FC, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley