Frickley Athletic v Campion FC

Recap

Frickley 2 Campion 2 (2-4 on pens)

(NCEL League Cup 1/4 Final)

There’s been contestants on the popular TV talent shows called Potts, Stan and Tonks (genuinely!). Well, our own Potts, Stan and Tonks certainly brought the X-Factor and the team showed that Frickley’s Got Talent. But more than that, coming from 2-0 down to take second in the league to penalties showed that Frickley’s Got Cojones too!

There was only one change from Saturday with Rieves Boocock coming into the starting XI for Big Al Keita.

The first 25 minutes saw both sides feeling each other out but with The Blues more than holding their own.

Chances were at a premium, with Walker hitting a venomous drive that was held by the keeper and later he was sandwiched as he charged into the box but nowt was given.

The visitors reminded us of their presence in the 27th minute when Bradders had to push a long shot over the bar.

Nonetheless, it was still against the run of play when Campion scored on 33 minutes. The scorer was clearly offside, and even though the ball deflected off a Blue defender, it was not a deliberate play as required by the laws of the game for the attacker to be allowed to proceed. To these eyes at least.

Campion got away with one when one of their players had a swing but only got a yellow.

In the 40th minute, Campion doubled their advantage, bursting clear, crossing and tapping in for 2-0.

So despite The Boys in Blue having given a good account of themselves, a comeback was looking unlikely. And it was only thanks to a great stop by Bradders on the stroke of half time that it wasn’t a 3 goal deficit at the break. HT 0-2.

Reinvigorated by their half time jaffas, The Azzurri were in no mood to roll over and have their collective bellies tickled. Soon, Big Al came on as sub and instantly gave an added impetus to the attack.

The two sides traded blows as The Blues headed over from a corner and Campion netted but the offside was spotted this time.

Bradders made 2 more decent saves with his feet around the hour mark.

Then in the 64th minute, The Azzurri won a free kick near the edge of the box. The Colonel stepped up and hit a beautiful swerving shot from the set piece, straight into the bottom corner.

Blue danders were up. Grove’s shot was blocked after some penalty box ping pong. And minutes later, Big Al nipped in, robbed the keeper, turned and shot from a tight angle but his strike hit the side netting.

On as sub, Hughesy had a blistering run that ended with Collier shooting from range for the keeper to save.

The final 10 minutes were a frantic, end to end maelstrom of action. The Colonel’s corner curled in, beat the keeper and was cleared. Was it over the line? Nothing given. Where’s VAR when you need it?

The visitors went close themselves, lobbing an advancing Bradders but the ball went inches past the post.

With 3 minutes to go, ’ Big Al seemed to hang in the air, awaiting the arrival of Lloydy’s perfectly flighted cross, but with the goal at his mercy, he headed against the bar.

With seconds to play, Hughesy sped onto a lovely through ball and his finish was surgical in its precision, slotting it away from 18 yards. FT 2-2

I can’t help feeling that if it had gone to extra time then there was only one team winning it, and they played in blue. But it was straight to penalties at the final whistle instead.

Frickley took the first spot kick. The Colonel smashed in number one. Unfortunately, Big Al and Lloydy saw the keeper get a fingertip on their kicks, pushing them onto the post and away. Hughesy made no such mistake with the fourth. We won’t mention the fact that the Campion keeper was virtually on the edge of the 6 yard box by the time contact was made. Meanwhile, Campion scored all of their penners to win 4-2. Typically, the one that Bradders got a hand to, was palmed onto the inside of the post before going in. Fine margins indeed.

We might not have won but we didn’t half give ‘em a bloody game. We were valiant in defeat. Plus, looking on the bright side, we won’t be subjected to the prospect of a semi final that can’t be held until at least 3 weeks after the end of the league season. Principally, because the last quarter final isn’t even due to be played until 27th April.

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was a hunger and a desire in that performance that we always knew was there but haven’t seen enough of lately. Bradders was safe as houses, Murillo and Varls were solid as pit props, and The Elk and Jake H were like the horns of the bull of the defensive unit. Jamesy, Lloydy, Boocock and Groverider were like a band of mongooses, scurrying about and drawing on a cobra. Walker = warhorse, ‘nuff said. And look in the dictionary under ‘impact subs’ and there’ll be a picture of Hughesy, Big Al and Zak K. But the Glitterball has to go to Richard Collier. Leads by example, tough as teak, runs for longer than a Duracell and a left foot like a steam hammer. We all salute you, Colonel!

TWITTER MOTM – Richard Collier takes it from Rylee Grove, Brandon Murillo and Lloyd Smith. Thanks to all who voted.

TWITTER SUB OTM – Matty Hughes takes it from Big Al Keita and Zak Kersey. Showing those impact subs some love. Thanks to all who voted again.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Richard Collier was chosen by Michael Johnson. Well done Colonel!

168 through the gate. Thank you for coming out in such big numbers for a league cup game!

To see the highlights of the second half and penalty shootout, click here.

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 30th March, when we get back to league affairs and travel to Thackley, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley

#FFTD