Recap

Frickley 3 Eccleshill United 1

The Blues halted a run of 5 straight home defeats with a hard-earned triumph over Eccleshill United, a result that mattered far more than the aesthetics. It was a scrappy contest at times, but The Blues dug deep, showed character, and claimed a valuable 3 points that could still prove significant.

The Azzurri were at it inside the opening half minute when Love whipped a teasing ball across the face of goal, only for it to evade everyone. The early intent continued, and on 8 minutes a twice-taken free kick found Radz, whose thumping close range header was palmed away by the visiting keeper.

Eccleshill threatened sporadically, most notably when a cross found their striker unmarked on the penalty spot, but he skied his effort high over the bar. That miss proved costly, because moments later Les Bleus struck the opener. An incisive through ball released Robbo, who strode forward and dispatched a crisp finish from 20 yards.

The Boys in Blue looked about to double the lead when Andrew powered through the middle, only to be halted by a marginal offside call. No matter, The Azzurri’s (and Robbo’s) 2nd arrived soon after, in the 24th minute. Robbo threaded a low skidding shot, through a crowded area, that nestled into the far corner for his 12th goal of the season.

Eccleshill hit the side netting with a free kick. Then just before the half hour, Robbo played in Lindley but his shot across goal, went inches wide of the upright.

In the 36th minute, Eccy forced Sykes into a superb point blank stop. However, the danger wasn’t cleared, and when the ball was recycled into the box, the visiting number 5 headed home to reduce the deficit.

Carmody went into the book just before the interval, and the sides went in with Les Bleus holding a narrow advantage. HT 2-1.

After the break, The Boys in Blue had to show their resilience. Radz produced a perfectly timed tackle inside the area, and Gadge followed suit shortly after with another crucial intervention.

Eccleshill continued to press, heading towards goal at one point, only for an infringement to prevent any follow up. Sykes then pulled off a flying save before a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner was eventually hacked clear.

Spence kept the keeper on his toes with a driven attempt, but the decisive moment came with around 18 minutes remaining. Radz was hauled down in the box, the ref pointed to the spot, and Andrew stepped up to roll the penalty kick past the keeper, restoring a 2 goal cushion.

With 10 minutes to go, it was good to see Sam Cable come on as sub, after a little over 4 months out injured.

The Azzurri went close to adding a 4th late on when a fierce strike was parried into the path of Price, who hit the post. Nonetheless, the job was virtually done and The Azzurri saw out the final minutes to secure our first home win since mid-December.

The sense of relief and satisfaction was palpable at the full time whistle. FT 3-1.

It wasn’t always pretty, but it was the response that we needed, with desire trumping dazzle, to tough it out and take the points.

WEBMASTER MOTM – that was a performance built on grit rather than gloss but it’ll do for me. Radz, Gadge, Viggars and Love worked hard to keep the visitors from getting back into the game. Spence, Carmody, Lindley and Price hustled tirelessly in the engine room. And Robbo and Andrew grafted away to stretch the opposition backline. However, the Glitterball goes to Will Sykes for pivotal saves in each half and tidy handling and kicking throughout. Salaam alaikum, Sykesy!

TWITTER MOTM – Lucas Robinson takes it from Tom Radley, Elliott Andrew and Will Sykes. Charlie Price also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Lucas Robinson was chosen by the Grateful Dudes’ Richard Hill. Well done, Robbo!

174 through the gate. You were the 12th man, thank you for such loyal support when we needed it most!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

To see the full photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 3rd March when we travel to table-topping Liversedge, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD