Frickley Athletic v Bottesford Town

Recap

Frickley 1 Bottesford Town 2

The Azzurri’s run of 3 games undefeated came to an end after a disjointed performance. This narrow defeat against Bottesford came despite taking an early lead from a freak Keanan Mannings goal.

There was one change from the last game with Ben Gelder starting in place of Niall Butchart. The big news was on the bench as Luke Williams made a long awaited return to the Blues Squad!

The Blues made an explosive start, finding the net as early as the 4th minute. Some will say that Keano was making a clearance near the halfway line that went in by fluke, but I say that he spotted the keeper off his line and deliberately hit it over him into the goal from 50-odd yards out! #100%intentional

When Watson saw his shot on the turn saved, it was all looking very positive still.

But the fortunes changed when the visitors equalised in the 12th minute. A run by Bottesford’s number 9 (and danger man) ended with him slotting in past the onrushing Sykes.

The visitors’ 9 was in the thick of it moments later as he nicked the ball from Sykes, requiring Gagen to get back to snuff out the threat.

A Big Al shot across goal was palmed around the post but the ref inexplicably awarded a goal kick.

The Elk crossed and, under pressure from Watson, the defender turned it towards his own goal. The keeper did get to it but only after initially fumbling the ball and recovering it on the line.

At the other end, Will Sykes made a great fingertip save from an angled shot and Gagen tidied up the loose ball.

However, on 37 minutes, Bottesford took the lead. The Bottesford forward was less fouled than he rightly took a good opportunity to win a penalty. The ball was going nowhere as Sykes dived to get to it in the face of the oncoming defender and forward. It looked as if the defender got a touch that diverted the ball past Sykes’s outstretched arms, then the forward ran into and fell over the prone Sykes for the spot kick. Duly dispatched by Bottesford’s number 9 for his 20th goal of the season. HT 1-2.

The second half started with the introduction of Luke Williams, making his Blues return.

The first chance of the half fell to Adam Watson when he volleyed into the side netting from the corner of the box. Bottesford also shot wide from range.

Just after the hour, Ben Gelder got ahead of his marker and played a nice pass to Big Al but the defender got a toe in to halt the attack.

The visitors blazed over before hitting the post in the 77th minute. Their low cross was flicked goalwards, striking the upright.

The Azzurri never gave up, throwing men forwards, but the execution didn’t quite match the endeavour.

Late into time added on, having absorbed the Blue pressure, Bottesford broke but shot wide from 35 yards with only the keeper to beat. FT 1-2.

Churchill once said something like “Defeat is never fatal. Victory is never final. It’s the courage to continue that counts.” We have that courage coz we’re Frickley. Response required at Knaresborough on Saturday.

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of effort and we defended resolutely against a side that tried to play football. Joel Spence was his usual impressive self. Jack Cawthorn was dogged. Keano was similar and his goal was one that will live in the memory for some time. And neither Panashe Makwiramiti or Ben Gelder took a backwards step. However, the Glitterball goes jointly to Big Al Keita and Harry Gagen. Up front, Big Al drove us forward and was constantly looking for daylight. At the back, Gadge was alert to all threats and tried his hardest to turn defence into attack. Salut, chaps!

TWITTER MOTM – Harry Gagen takes it from Keanan Mannings, Big Al Keita and Jack Cawthorn. Joel Spence also polled votes, obvs. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Big Al Keita was chosen by Ollie Deakin. Well done, Big Al!

116 through the gate. Thank you for coming out to support your local team on a cold midweek evening. It really means the world to us!

Btw 50/50 draw winnings were donated back to the club by an anonymous legend! If Carlsberg did fans….

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 1st March, when we travel to Knaresborough Town, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD