Frickley Athletic v Barton Town

Recap

Frickley 0 Barton Town 4

It was an unfortunately familiar story as The Blues were not outplayed but were found wanting at the business end and ultimately fell to a third consecutive 4-0 reverse.

Charlie Clegg, Marcel Chipamuanga and Mason Booth came into the starting XI as Niall Butchart, Tom Alngohuro and Kenzie Dillon made way. Tom A and Butch moved to the bench with the G Men – Gelder, Gilly and the Gaffer  himself, Tom Claisse.

The Azzurri almost had an explosive start as a Luke Hinsley flick created a gilt edged chance for Big Al in the first 75 seconds, but the keeper stopped it with his body. Chippy then picked up the rebound and had 2 shots blocked.

The Blues continued to dominate.

Spence drove wide from 25 yards and Keano saw his snapshot smartly saved by ex-Blues stopper Tom Nicholson. Big Al’s fizzing cross evaded the coup de grace required and Cleggy had a ping that went narrowly wide.

Barton were limited to netting from an offside position and a long range effort that flew past the post.

Just before the half hour mark Hinsley hobbled off with a calf injury to be replaced by Ben Gelder.

After clinging on, the visitors started to push forward and Will Sykes had to save well with his feet.

Then on 37 minutes, a high ball into the D was headed down unchallenged and cracked in from the edge of the box by the Barton number 8.

Like buses, the goals came in multiples. So 8 minutes later, Barton ran through unimpeded, squared the ball and banged it in to go in 2 goals to the good at the break. HT 0-2.

It took Barton a few minutes to build up their momentum in the second period. However, in the 53rd minute, Sykes made a crucial save then from the corner he punched the ball as far as a Barton head, nodding back towards goal and hitting the post.

A matter of seconds later, Jack Cawthorn also hit the post but literally – with his head. After heading off the line, JC clattered into the post and needed to be subbed. Tom A and Tom C replaced Jack and Cleggy.

With 20 minutes to play, we were down to 10 as Tom C was sin binned.

Then on 72 minutes, Barton’s number 8 went through and slotted it past Sykes.

In the last 5 minutes, Barton went down theatrically in the box after the slightest of touches. Penner awarded, despite booking Spence earlier for simulation in a similar situation. Duly dispatched by Barton’s number 8 to complete his hat trick.

Of course, the officials were uninterested when Big Al was barged over in the area and Gelder was blatantly hauled down by his shirt in time added on. FT 0-4.

The margins are fine – a calmer finish here, a timely challenge there, and it’s a different story. So chin up and chest out coz we’re Frickley, we fight to the death!

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of honest effort. Jack Cawthorn gave his all for the cause and Keano continued to graft in the engine room. The Elk always had an eye to getting forward, likewise RBH’s distribution. And Chippy, Big Al and Cleggy toiled away as they ran the channels. But the Glitterball goes to Joel Spence, ratter extraordinaire. Keep going, Joel!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Keanan Mannings, Marcel Chipamaunga and Jack Cawthorn. Reuben Brewin-Hawkins also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Keanan Mannings was chosen by Brogan Murphy. Well done, Keanol!

137 through the gate. Thank you for braving the ‘orrible weather to get behind our Azzurri – you’re there through thick and thin!

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 1st February, when Eccleshill United are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD