Frickley Athletic v Bottesford Town

Recap

Frickley 4 Bottesford Town 2

The Azzurri twice came from behind to lead at half time then went on to grind out a first league win in 13 games with a gritty and determined display.

Keanan Mannings, Zav Elkin, Keegan Townrow and Luke Walker came into the starting lineup in place of Morgan James, Jake Hemingway, Matty Hughes and Big Al Keita. Joe Wilson and Joe Cooney, who play for both our U16s and U23s, were named on the bench alongside Antony Onoh and Thierry Hendrickson.

Before kickoff, The Frickley Athletic Supporters’ Player of the Season 2023/24 was awarded to Goalden Gloves Callum Bradbury by superfans Ella and Josh Carr. Congrats Bradders!

The howling wind was going to make it a difficult day for all involved. However, the opening 20-odd minutes were distinctly frenetic. Inside 3 minutes, and Bottesford had already stuck one away.

Before there was 10 minutes on the clock, The Blues were level as Lloydy tucked away a delicate pass from Varls, inside the 6 yard box.

On 18 minutes, the visitors regained the lead. A harmless looking wormburner crept in from 20 yards.

Only 3 minutes later it was all square for a second time. Zav Elkin set off on a mazy run. In the media centre we were shouting “Don’t shoot, don’t shoot”, and he promptly hit an absolutely unstoppable pile driver from 25 yards, top bins! Shows what we know. You do you, Elk!!

Both sides had further chances as Bottesford tapped inches wide from a corner and at the other end, Walker set up Boocock but his shot was held by the keeper at the second attempt.

Just after the half hour and The Azzurri were ahead for the first time. Rieves Boocock went straight down the middle, dragged the ball back to lose his market then drilled it into the bottom corner from 12 yards out. HT 3-2.

The blustery conditions continued to make it hard for either side to generate any fluency.

It was end to end but other than a couple shots that went well over from Bottesford and some crosses that required good handling from Bradders, there wasn’t much goalmouth action.

With less than 2 minutes of regulation time remaining, Collier played the ball out to The Elk on the wing. The Elk swung in a cross and Lloydy touched it past the keeper to guarantee the win for The Azzurri.

Appropriately, on ‘Academy Takeover Day’ off the pitch, the pair of 16 year olds, Joe Wilson and Joe Cooney, came on to make their Frickley first team debuts.

And sensationally, Joe was almost on the scoresheet within 90 seconds of coming on, heading in at the back post but the liner put a downer on it by flagging for offside. FT 4-2.

Supporter and dad of superfans Ella and Josh, David Carr, summed it up nicely on X, “Spirited performance in windy conditions, good to score four goals and a much needed win for the last home game of the season”.

Then in the clubhouse afterwards, The Frickley Athletic Players’ Player of the Season 2023/24 was awarded to club captain Richard Collier by Alex Varley (who is also available for weddings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs). O Colonel! My Colonel!

WEBMASTER MOTM – the win was everything, the lads genuinely deserved that. Bradders was a safe pair of hands and Varls, Keegs and BMDub were a Blue wall. Rylee and Keano were energetic and The Colonel was tenacious and seemingly tireless. Up top, Rievesy was rapier-like, Walker was pugilistic, and Lloydy was a poacher. And a word for the subs, Tony Onoh and Thierry HE played with vim and vigour, and it was exciting to see the 2 Joes holding a steady course as they set sail on the good ship Frickley (I’ve got socks older than that pair!). However, the Glitterball goes to Zav Elkin. Combative, creative and that goal. Exemplary, Elk!

TWITTER MOTM – Zav Elkin takes it from Rylee Grove, Richard Collier and Alex Varley. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Alex Varley was chosen by Nicola Walters. Well done, Varls!

265 through the gate. Thanks for having our backs all season here at Fortress Wezzie! Your support means the world to us!

To hear the thoughts of one of the gaffers, Luke Potter, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 13th April, when we travel to Eccleshill United, 3pm kickoff, for our rearranged game, now our last of the season. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD