Frickley Athletic v Campion FC

Recap

Frickley 1 Campion 2

The pendulum swings and so it is that The Blues were on the receiving end of a late winner in a game that we deserved a point from.

The only change from last week was new (re)signing Will Sutton, on dual reg from Bridlington, making his second debut by replacing Harry Spooner in the starting lineup.

The opening quarter of an hour saw plenty of lively play but nothing clear cut until Williams crossed and Gilly hooked his shot just over the bar.

Keano’s header forced a decent save and Sutton whipped in a low cross but Varls lifted it over the bar.

Then in the 24th minute, a Frickley player hit the referee with a pass but the ref inexplicably gave the drop ball to Campion in their own half. But in a powerful demonstration of the butterfly effect in action, Campion strode forward with their ill-gotten possession and it ended at their number 9’s feet. After a couple of bites at it, he finally managed to squeeze the ball in off the post to open the scoring against the run of play.

It took The Azzurri a mere 5 minutes to restore parity. Williams crossed and, in a similar fashion to the visitors’ goal, a bit of penalty box ping pong ensued. Sutton quickly got bored of this so, when the loose ball squirted out towards him, he smashed it into the net.

Hewitson was at full stretch to stop a wormburner on 35 minutes. Otherwise, The Boys in Blue saw out the half in the ascendancy but couldn’t turn their pressure into goals. The best opportunities saw Williams feed Varls, his gilt-edged chance was blocked when 1 on 1 with the keeper, and Gilly’s header was diverted wide for a corner. HT 1-1.

The second half was less than 3 minutes old when Williams had a darting run before stinging the keeper’s palms with a venomous shot. At the other end, Campion curled a shot well wide.

To these eyes, it seemed to slightly unsettle The Blues when McCormack took a knock and was replaced by Tomlinson, necessitating Sutton to drop in at left back. More of the butterfly effect incoming?

Tomlinson was straight at it, being shouldered to the ground. Looked a penner to me, looked an offside to the ref. We’ll agree to differ.

On the hour, Gilly played it to Tomlinson and his shot was saved then Gilly nipped in, dispossessing a defender but couldn’t get a shot off as the ball caught on a Sahel-like surface.

Hewitson made another good stop before Campion put 2 efforts wide in quick succession.

With 5 minutes remaining, Reuben Brewin-Hawkins was put clear but he dragged his shot across goal and wide.

Into time added on and, just as we looked to be taking a share of the spoils, Campion’s number 9 was given too much time in the box and duly slotted in a heartbreaking winning goal. FT 1-2.

Well, it’s a bitter pill to swallow but, in a reversal of last week’s fortunes, it’s us that gets done by a late goal after doing more than enough for a point. Bloody football. We take our medicine and go again next time!

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of effort and this team can play. Adam Hewitson made some crucial saves and Tom Cairney’s distribution was solid. I’m running out of ways to say that Jack Varley, Joel Spence and Keanan Mannings just run and run and run. Varley‘s leadership is equally examplary – combative, skilful, vocal and motivating. And Luke Williams left his markers chasing shadows. But the Glitterball goes to the returning Will Sutton. What a re-debut! His performance showed maturity, trickery, versatility and a poacher’s instinct. Wunderbar, Will!

TWITTER MOTM – Will Sutton narrowly takes it from Joel Spence, Jack Varley and Luke Williams. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence was chosen by matchball sponsor, Brogan Murphy. Well done, Joel!

178 through the gate. Your support was the best, thank you.

To hear the thoughts of the A-Team, Andy Steptoe and Adam Hewitson, click here.

Tom see photos from today’s game, taken by our top young volunteer, Brogan Murphy, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday, 31st August, when Penistone Church are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD