Frickley Athletic v Beverley Town

Recap

Frickley 3 Beverley Town 3

In his profile for the ‘Meet The Mascots’ page in the programme for this game, one of our U9s, Ilias Brown, predicted that the score would be 9-3 to Frickley. Beverley came from behind 3 times, and their injury time goal meant that it ended 3 apiece but if it weren’t for the chances that went begging, it could’ve been 9-3 to either side.

There was one change for The Blues from last week, with Joel Spence starting in place of Louis Thwaites.

The Blues showed attacking intent from the off with a swift break but Spence’s unselfish square ball was cut out when a shot might have been the better option.

Despite probing, it took until the 13th minute for The Azzurri’s opener. Willo pushed the ball past the keeper and he got brought down for a clear penalty. Varls stepped up and stuck the penner in the top corner. There’s ice running through that fella’s veins.

We weren’t ahead for more than 100 seconds though. The defensive unit didn’t cover itself with glory as Bev Town equalised with a pea roller past Hewitson.

This gave Bev momentum and they shot just over in the 21st minute and then saw Hewitson push an effort onto the post before smothering the ball.

The Boys in Blue got their noses ahead again on 27 minutes. Zav surged forward and found Sutton with his pass, Will dinked it to Gilly who rolled it into the bottom corner.

Both sides continued in a positive manner, looking for an opening, without any luck.

Deep into extras at the end of the half and Hewitson saved well when 1 on 1 with the striker but the loose ball went straight to a Bev boot. They slotted away the loose ball from 20 yards to equalise again, against the run of play. HT 2-2.

Bev Town started the second period strongly, forcing a great stop from Hewitson and hitting the post within 10 minutes of the restart.

At the other end, Willo hit the keeper from point blank range, the ball came back at him and ricocheted past the keeper but was cleared before it could cross the line.

This was the start of a spell of sustained Azzurri pressure. In quick succession, Gilly saw a back heel flick saved and he got on the end of a low cross but, with the goalmouth begging, scuffed it to the keeper from 2 yards out.

On as sub, Jamie Tomlinson could’ve had a hat trick within 10 minutes of entering the fray. Going  1 on 1 with the keeper, his shot was blocked. Then on 66 minutes Cairney played a Hollywood pass to Tommo and he squeezed the ball past the keeper from an outrageously acute angle for a second goal in 2 games.

Seconds after the kickoff, Tommo lobbed the keeper but the ball went millimetres over the bar.

Joel Spence crossed to Gilly in the 73rd minute but his shot lacked power and accuracy.

Bev retaliated by blazing over from a good position.

In the last minute of regulation time, Willo burst clear but, with only the keeper to beat, the Wezzie bobble did for him.

Unfortunately, in a carbon copy of the final stages of the first half, Bev were given too much time and space at the other end and heartbreakingly equalised for a third time in time added on. FT 3-3

We could’ve scored 9 or 10, Bev probably could’ve too. However, profligacy at both ends allowed a late goal to lose us 2 points. But the bottom line is we didn’t lose the game and a point’s a point. And we win together, we lose together and it turns out that we draw together too. We go again next time!

WEBMASTER MOTM – we created plenty of chances, and we missed plenty too but I’d rather see that than not creating chances. Gilly and Willo were constant threats, and Tommo looked dangerous again from the bench. Will Sutton got another assist and Jack Cairney wasn’t to be outdone so did the same. And Jack Holden and Joel Spence ratted all afternoon. But the Glitterball goes to Jack Varley. He’s an engine and a true leader. Superb, Skipper!

TWITTER MOTM – Summat you don’t see very often, Jack Varley and Joel Spence tied for first place, narrowly taking it from Jack Holden by 1% of the vote. Luke Williams and Jamie Tomlinson also polled. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Jack Varley was chosen by Travis Cooper. Well done, Jack!

191 through the gate. Thank you for your loyal support. Always much appreciated.

To hear the thoughts of assistant manager, Matt Flanagan, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday, 17th September, when we visit Hallam FC in the NCEL League Cup, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD