Frickley Athletic v Eccleshill United FC

Recap

Frickley 0 Eccleshill United 0

One swallow does not a summer make but The Blues stepped up and stopped the rot with a solid defensive display, ensuring a point from this quite entertaining goalless draw. However, we were unfortunate not to take all the spoils after being denied 2 decent penalty shouts and hitting the woodwork.

A debut for new signing Harry Gagen was one of 4 changes from Tuesday, with Tom Claisse, Ben Gelder and Jamie Tomlinson also coming into the starting lineup, with Charlie Clegg, Mason Booth and Reuben Brewin-Hawkins all moving to the bench and Luke Hinsley out with a knock.

The first half was like a game of chess, short on explosive goalmouth action but full of the sort of cut and thrust that would’ve made Kasparov and Karpov proud.

In the 5th minute Sykes came out to clear but an awkward ricochet meant that he had to chase back to thwart an Eccy cross.

Eccy shot wide before their keeper went straight through Big Al like King Kong Kirk on the edge of the 6 yard box. A stonewall penalty that left Al writhing in agony but the ref waved away the appeals.

Tommo shot over from an acute angle after 22 minutes. And, on the half hour, a defensive clearance hit Sykes and fortuitously went out for a corner. Said corner was firmly headed goalwards, requiring Sykes to make an excellent flying save. HT 0-0.

The second half was a shade more open, starting with a half chance for Eccy but it was offside.

Big Al had a sight of goal but he never quite had the ball under control as it stuck under his feet and the resulting shot was tame.

On the opening weekend of rugby’s Six Nations, an Eccy defender paid homage to Dusty Hare with his safe handling to blatantly divert Tom Claisse’s 54th minute free kick away from danger in the 18 yard box. The officials saw nothing.

Both defences still remained largely in the ascendancy. Keano and Cawthorn mopped up well down the middle.

Just before the hour mark, Spence hit a rasping wormburner that forced the keeper to get down smartly to pouch it.

Zav tried to make a start on his entries for the 24/25 goal of the season but he lifted his shot well over from 20 odd yards. Then his long shot flicked off a defender for a corner, you could hear it clip him, but a goal kick was awarded.

Not to be outdone, Ben Gelder’s tricky footwork almost carved out an opening but those pesky defenders shepherded him away.

With 18 minutes remaining, Gagen threw to Gelder but his snapshot was hacked away for a corner. Claisse’s corner was met by a thumping Gelder header that crashed off the bar. Then Big Al was bundled over in the area but there was nowt given.

Eccy looped a header over Sykes but the ever alert Gagen nodded it clear.

In time added on, Sykes had to make an acrobatic catch to blunt a final Eccy attack, maintaining the status quo. FT 0-0.

Not as much as we wanted from the game but a point’s a point. They all count and that could be crucial at the end of the season. The cleansheet was massive, coz if we can get the defence back on track then the L regularly becomes a D, and then you can start thinking about getting the goals to turn it into a W. Eccleshill’s celebration’s at full time offered an insight into the importance of this result. Let’s do it all again next week against Handsworth.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a gritty, grafting, gutsy performance, full of more pride and team spirit than we’ve seen of late. Sykesy’s efforts proved that the Lord helps those who help themselves. JC and Keano were immense at the heart of defence, and Zav was a stolid presence. Joel Spence was a terrier and Tommo was a gazelle. Ben Gelder had his best game so far and looked menacing. However, the Glitterball is joint one, awarded to Tom Claisse and Harry Gagen. TC’s set pieces were threatening, his distribution was cla(i)ss(e)y and he made a number of timely tackles. And Gadge was described by the gaffer as a Rolls Royce of a defender (don’t worry Richie Patts, you’re still the midfield RR) and it’s hard to disagree on this showing. Chocks away, chaps!

TWITTER MOTM – Ben Gelder takes it from Harry Gagen, Tom Claisse and Jack Cawthorn. Keanan Mannings and Zav Elkin Sheppard also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – the whole team was chosen by Jerry Wray, as they all put in a shift. Well done, fellas!

163 through the gate. Thank you for your support when we need it the most – you were the twelfth man!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 8th February, when Handsworth are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD