Frickley Athletic v Basford United

Recap

Frickley 0 Basford United 1

The Azzurri went down to a penalty, the only goal of the game, but a dogged display meant that we certainly weren’t embarrassed by higher league opposition and asked a few questions of our own.

The Blues opened with a snap shot by Big Al just clearing the bar but he was fouled in the process. And Lloydy hit the upright with the resulting free kick.

Then some good build up play from Jonesy and Big Al created a shot for Collier but he dragged it wide.

The first sighter for the visitors was deflected behind by Varls in the 10th minute. The resulting corner saw a free header go over.

The Elk had a couple of runs and crosses but but no blue shirt to put ‘em away. And Basford had the ball in the net but correctly ruled out for offside.

A defensive mis-header put the visitors through but Bradbury made a sharp stop.

A foul by The Elk in the 37th minute lead to a penalty award. The attacker made a meal of it but looked like there may have been some contact. Maybe. Penalty duly converted into the bottom corner.

Frickley went straight up the other end, Boocock held it up well and laid the ball off to Al but his shot was blocked.

On the stroke of half time, a free kick in from Basford was headed wide at the back post. HT 0-1.

After the break, the away side were immediately on the attack down the right but Bradbury made another good save.

A 53rd minute long throw from Keanan Mannings caused a bit of chaos in the Basford box before they scrambled it away.

On the hour, a short Blue free kick was well worked but Boocock mishit from 6 yards out. Basford then broke but Bradbury stopped well with his feet when one on one.

There was a big let off for the Blues, soon after, as a Basford attacker ran through the back line but put his shot wide.

A controversial moment saw Smith crippled by a high tackle that would’ve been a red card in a competitive game.

Goalden Gloves Bradbury then made a couple more decent saves to keep it at 1-0.

In the last 5 minutes, Basford hit one narrowly wide and Cleggy’s effort from the edge of the area was blocked and deflected behind. FT 0-1.

A good workout and a solid performance. Next stop, NCEL and Campion!

WEBMASTER MOTM – lots more encouraging signs against an NPL Premier side. The standout performance though was from Callum Bradbury. Goalden Gloves was in fine form between the sticks. Congrats, Callum!

And a big thanks to Joel Motson-Gubba for excellent match coverage.

131 through the gate. Thank you for your great support in preseason!

It all becomes real next Saturday when Campion are our visitors for the first NCEL game of 2023/24, 3pm ko. Can’t wait! Hope to see you all there….