Recap

PSF3 – Frickley 0 Gainsborough Trinity 4

The Azzurri’s first home preseason fixture ended in defeat as NPL Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity – playing 2 steps above The Blues in the pyramid – showed their superior quality to win 4-0 at a scorchio Wezzie.

The Azzurri were competitive in the early exchanges before Trinity went in front in the 13th minute with an unstoppable strike from around 25 yards that arrowed into the top corner, giving Allinson no chance despite his full length dive.

The Frickley keeper was called into action again 4 minutes later, producing an excellent save to prevent Gainsborough from doubling their lead.

A second goal did arrive in the 23rd minute. A low delivery into the penalty area wasn’t dealt with cleanly by The Azzurri defence and the loose ball was crashed home from close range.

The Boys in Blue looked for a response. Flanagan tried his luck in the 27th minute, but his effort drifted well wide of the target. Moments later came Les Bleus’ strongest claim of the half when Cable burst into the penalty area and appeared to be pulled back from behind. Appeals for a spot kick were waved away, much to Blue frustration.

Before the break, Allinson was in inspired form once more, pulling off another stunning save to keep the deficit at 2 goals heading into half time. HT 0-2.

Any hopes of a Blues comeback were quashed in the first 4 minutes after kickoff.

Just 15 seconds into the second half, Trinity capitalised on a defensive lapse and toe poked the ball past Allinson.

Barely had the game restarted before Gainsborough struck again in the 49th minute, squaring the ball across the box before firing home to extend their advantage to 4-0.

Despite the scoreline, The Boys in Blue continued to battle. In the 71st minute, The Blues’ number 16 looked set to race clear on goal but couldn’t quite bring the ball under control at the crucial moment, allowing the opportunity to slip away.

Late in the contest, Edjangue produced a very smart save in the 83rd minute to deny the visitors, clattering the Trinity forward as he bravely claimed the ball.

The final whistle confirmed Frickley’s defeat in this stern test and ended the trial of such uncomfortably warm conditions. FT 0-4.

Having opened the summer campaign with back-to-back wins, this represented a tougher examination for Les Bleus against higher calibre opposition, and thus it was as they punished any lapses.

However, it proved another valuable workout for The Blues, with more important minutes banked ahead of the new season.

WEBMASTER MOTM – On a sweltering afternoon I was blowing just sat in the stand in the shade, so lord knows how hard it must’ve been out on the hallowed dust bowl. For that reason, the Glitterball  goes to the fellas who spent longest out there – Harry Gagen, Joel Spence, Sam Kilner and Sam Cable. Respect, comrades!

164 through the gate. Thank you for venturing out from your oasis and riding your camel across the dunes of SESKU to give The Boys in Blue your support. We thank you all.

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

The Blues are next in preseason action on Tuesday 14th July when a Barnsley XI will be our visitors for the next instalment of preseason at The Wezzie, 7.30pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….