Frickley Athletic v Emley AFC

Recap

Preseason Friendly:

Frickley 2 Emley 2

After a flying start, NPL newbies Emley needed a last minute goal to salvage a draw against a determined Azzurri side.

Prior to kick off, a minute’s applause was had to commemorate the sad passing of John Stones, a great friend of the club and Charlie Clegg’s grandad. As an act of class, Bax made Cleggy captain. Much love to the family.

We were all still taking our seats when Emley opened the scoring with a simple finish from 8 yards out after only 75 seconds.

This immediately woke up The Blues and Emley had to nod a Frickley header off the line at the other end. And there wasn’t 5 minutes in the clock before Bax’s Boys had achieved parity. Luke Williams shot was parried away but Cyrus Rowe said thank very much and slotted away the rebound.

Adam Hewitson carried on where he had left off in the last game with 2 great saves. The second of which was quite remarkable, tipping the ball onto the bar and over from a free kick.

Not wishing to be outdone, the Emley keeper got in on the act, pushing over Luke the Nuke’s 16th minute curling shot. He could only watch though as The Blues’ powerful header from the corner went inches above the crossbar.

Hewitson got down well to palm a low curling effort around the post in the 22nd minute.

The game then became more chess like with both sides probing for further openings until Emley netted 2 minutes before the break but the flag was up for offside. HT 1-1.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first as it took barely 60 seconds before Cleggy was the first to react to a loose ball in the six yard box and prodded home. On what was an emotional night for him and his family, that one was for Johnny.

Both teams created further opportunities. Klimczak went close, flicking a shot onto the bar and Guilfoyle hit a swerving drive that was saved. At the other end, the visitors flashed a shot inches wide and Hewitson denied them with a point blank reflex save when a goal appeared inevitable.

In the final moments, and just as the Frickley win was looking the most likely outcome, Emley stuck one right in the bottom corner from the edge of the box. FT 2-2.

We might’ve been pegged back at the death but I’m liking what I’m seeing from The New Blues, they’re very easy on the eye. And don’t forget to carry on staying calm. It’s still only preseason 😉

WEBMASTER MOTM – another decent display with every player doing their bit. Standouts included Luke Williams, Cyrus Rowe, Jack Varley, Brogan Horniman, Jack Holden, I really could go on. Adam Hewitson was a blur in goal and exuded confidence. However, the Glitterball can only go to Charlie Clegg. Skipper for the night and a fox in the box, he would’ve made his grandad proud. It was meant to be. Congrats, Cleggy.

125 through the gate. Thank you for your dedicated support, as ever!

To hear the thoughts of the coach and second half skipper, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 16th July, when we host Brighouse at The Wezzie, at the earlier kickoff time of 7.00pm. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD