Frickley Athletic v Eccleshill United FC

Recap

Frickley 1 Eccleshill United 1

A better performance than of late saw The Blues take a point in challengingly wet conditions against an equally challenging Eccleshill United last night.

The visitors had the first chance of note in the 9^th minute as Chaz Preston dived to his left to push away a stinging drive.

Opportunities were at a premium for the next 15 minutes until Big Al Keita had a pot shot from the corner of the box and shaved the top of the upright. Moments later, Ben Hall stuck his shot on the roof of the net from a not dissimilar position.

Then Big Al was at it again as he ghosted past his defender and drove low and narrowly wide.

The Azzurri’s spell of pressure paid off in the 34^th minute when the Eccleshill keeper misjudged the bounce of a high ball forward and left new loan signing Lloyd Smith to go round him like his namesake Davey Boy Smith evading the clutches of Fit Finlay. Smith stayed calm and slotted the ball into the empty net, opening his account for The Blues on his debut!

In the closing minutes of the half, Chaz P made another top save before Eivind Johnsen had a long range effort. And on the stroke of half time, ex-Blue Dev Morton blazed over the bar from inside the box for Eccleshill. HT 1-0.

The second half was rinse (literally coz it was pouring) and repeat. An attritional midfield battle for 20-odd minutes then a goal. But this time for Eccleshill. Lloyd Smith had a couple of half chances but otherwise, like The Blues did in the first half, a period of Eccleshill dominance ended with them scoring, levelling the game, in the 69^th minute.

Big Al Keita did all he could to regain the advantage for The Boys in Blue but his efforts came to nought as he fired wide, over or was thwarted by a last ditch tackle. FT 1-1.

The difference between this and a three point performance was just a little more composure in front of goal and a bit better game management. However, a point’s a point, and that was probably a fair result, based on the balance of play.

WEBMASTER MOTM – no one had a bad game and all tried to play football in trying conditions (a word here for the lads who look after the pitch, it looked great considering what they were up against. Well done fellas!). Charlie Preston handled well in what must be nightmare conditions for a goalkeeper. The defence was largely strong, Fletch was the pick for me. George Green provided drive in midfield until he went off with a knock but Kofi came on to deputise admirably. And Big Al gave his all up front. But The Glitterball goes to debutant Lloyd Smith with a goal on debut and a hard-running performance. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this young chap. Lovely stuff, Lloydy!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – to prove again that the public love a goalscorer, Lloyd Smith took it by the narrowest of margins from Charlie Preston. Nathan Fletcher and Al Keita also polled. Thanks to all who voted.

180 through the gate, thank you for your support on such a grotty evening.

Our next game is at Goole AFC on Saturday, 3pm ko, and it’d be great to see you all there to cheer the boys on. We go again…