Frickley Athletic v Emley AFC

Recap

Frickley 2 Emley 3

It was a heartbreaking late goal that won it by the odd goal in five for 10-man Emley after The Azzurri had gone toe to toe with them for the 96 previous minutes.

Lewis Binns came into the starting lineup in place of the unavailable Luke Walker, and Thierry Hendrickson made up the contingent on the bench.

The first few minutes saw both sides get a half chance as The Blues flashed a ball across the Emley goal but no one could get a foot to it to apply the coup de grace. Emley got into the Frickley 6 yard box but the ball was hacked away.

For the next 20 minutes or so, both teams were very much probing for gaps but there wasn’t much in the way of clear cut chances for either side.

Emley then hit 3 or 4 attempts wide or over from range. Mannings had a ping, just over, for The Blues. Collier struck a stinging drive from a Mannings throw, but it was blocked, and The Elk had a great run that came to nought. HT 0-0.

The second half was barely 5 minutes old when ex-Blue Nathan Curtis got on the end of a cross but put it over and Lloydy headed at goal but he was stretching so it didn’t have a lot of power behind it.

Just before the hour, Collier’s volley was deflected wide and Big Al almost got his head on the corner then Lloydy teed up Jamesy, and his shot was deflected wide too. Then on 61 minutes, from the resulting Lloydy corner, Big Al nodded The Boys in Blue into the lead.

In the 73rd minute, the game turned in the visitors’ favour when another of Emley’s ex-Blues, James Walshaw, was sent off for swinging a punch whilst waiting for a corner, 5 minutes after coming on as sub. The red card galvanised Emley and The Blues never do seem to produce their best against a side down to 10 men. So it proved as a third ex-Blue Charlie Barks headed in at the back post from said corner.

5 minutes later and a defensive error let Emley in to play a ball across goal and score a tap in.

With 4 minutes of regulation time left, Brandon Murillo swung in a booming pass for Lloydy to put into the path of Lewis Binns who smashed it in from the edge of the box to equalise. What a hit!

Bradders made a stunning stop when one on one with the Emley forward to keep it level.

But 6 minutes into time added on, a combination of naivety and suspect decision making lead to Emley scoring a decisive goal from a free header at the back stick. FT 2-3

It was agonising to come away from that one with nothing. BUT giving one of the division’s big spenders a real test shows how far we’ve come since capitulating and losing 3-0 to them, back in April.

And we’re Frickley, so we dust ourselves off and we go again on Saturday. ⚽️💙✊

WEBMASTER MOTM – another dogged performance, the standouts included Zav Elkin, The Colonel, Brandon Murillo, Keegan and Haighy, but everyone fought with every ounce of strength they had left. However, the Glitterball goes to Lewis Binns. He stepped back into midfield for his first start after injury and proceeded to cover every blade of grass. And his goal was worthy of winning at least a point, it was a belter. Excellente El Binno!

TWITTER MOTM – Lewis Binns takes it from Zav Elkin, Richard Collier and Keegan Townrow. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Lewis Binns was chosen by Andy Steele. Well done, El Binno!

321 through the gate. Our biggest home attendance of the season so far. Thank you for such amazing support in midweek!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 18th November when we travel to Bottesford Town, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley