Dodworth Miners Welfare v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Dodworth MW 0 Frickley 5

In their first Saturday Sheffield Senior Cup game since 2000, The Azzurri eased past Dodsworth with 5 quality goals against the Sheffield County Senior League leaders. Job done.

On the teamsheet, Nathan Fletcher came in for the suspended Varls, whilst Ellz Anku came in to give Rich Collier a rest.

The Elk gave early notice of intent when his shot was finger tipped wide in the opening moments. Big Al did likewise, breaking the line and a Dodworth defender toe poked it out for a corner just as he was about to pull the trigger.

The hosts had a chance of their own when they flashed a ball across the face of goal but no one in a red and black shirt was able to connect.

In the 18th minute, the threat became something more tangible as The Azzurri finally took the lead. A big ball over the top by Bradders fell to Big Al, and as Lloydy’s run dragged the defender away, Al didn’t need asking twice, firing the ball into the bottom corner.

The advantage was doubled less than 120 seconds later when Lloydy pulled the ball back for The Elk to nonchalantly stick it away, his first goal in a Frickley shirt.

Just after the half hour mark, Big Al was scythed down as he weaved his way through the penalty area. Lloydy duly dispatched the spot kick off a two step run up.

Then on the stroke of half time, Lloydy showed quicker feet than I’ve seen so far in the current series of Strictly before dinking it to the Bretton Baggio who volleyed in from the penalty spot. HT 0-4.

The second period wasn’t even 3 minutes old before the assembled masses were asking “What’s the time?” Well, it was five to Frickley after Big Al’s cross was tucked away by Lloydy from 5 yards out.

On the hour, Big Ank had his feet whipped from under him as he danced across the penalty box. He jumped up to take the penner himself but could only graze the outside of the post with his strike.

In the latter stages, the game petered out a little but The Boys in Blue continued to battle for every ball and looked to thread passes through to the runner. Dodworth had a couple of free kicks awarded in dangerous areas but blazed them over, high, wide and handsome.

Jake Lockwood almost got on the scoresheet in the last few seconds as he forced the home keeper to flap his cross-cum-shot away from the top corner. FT 0-5.

Comfortably negotiating a potential banana skin in the shape of plucky Dodworth, The Blues are into the next round, where we will play the winner of Harworth and Nostell MW. Despite the moist conditions, that was definitely a better way to spend the afternoon than reclining on the chaise longue, watching Frank Bough on Grandstand!

WEBMASTER MOTM – Get a cuppa and a custard cream, and settle down coz everyone’s getting a mention here after that team performance. BMDub and Haighy were untroubled. Fletch and Keanan were silky smooth, absolute class, a pair of ballers. The half centurion El Binno was in his element, digging in and skirmishing in midfield, as was The Colonel who came on for him in the second half. Was Zav Elkin a fullback or a winger? Whatever, he was superb, and took his goal well. Same for Wade Rip, the Bretton Baggio was like a mountain goat, tripping from the top of one divot to the next, and he bagged a lovely goal. Big Al (1 goal, 2 assists) and Lloydy (2 goals, 2 assists) were  forces of nature, covering every blade of grass/mud and leaving the opposition chasing shadows. Big Ank was unlucky not to come away with more to show for it than he did. The other subs (Thierry, Isaac J, Jake L and Josh C) were top notch as well, fully showing the quality we’ve got coming through. And a word for Callum Bradbury’s exceptional handling. The ball was like a bar of lifebuoy but come what may Bradders just Inspector Gadgeted it and pulled it out of the air. So, you guessed it, the Glitterball goes to the entire squad. No way can you pick a single standout from this display. Bellissimo, boys!

TWITTER MOTM – The Whole Team takes it from All Of Them, Everyone and Everybody. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Nathan Fletcher and Zav Elkin were chosen by Ken Whitehead. Well done, fellas!

There was no one counting how many came through the gate but it must have been 80-90 with the majority from the People’s Republic of SESKU. Thanks for coming out on a grotty afternoon to support the lads!

To hear the thoughts of the manager, Pat McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 4th November when we get back to league affairs and travel to Rossington Main for a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley