Frickley Athletic v Garforth Town FC

Recap

Frickley 1 Garforth Town 4

The Azzurri ultimately fell to a resounding Friday night defeat but were right in this game until late on, in hot, sultry conditions.

In the starting 11, Jake Hemingway and Rieves Boocock replaced Haighy (injured) and Anku (our thoughts are with you, bruv), and Brandon Murillo made his return from injury with a place on the bench.

Garforth were ahead in the 7th minute with their first meaningful foray into Frickley territory when their number 11 hit a first time diagonal shot into the bottom far corner.

The visitors doubled their advantage on 23 minutes. A terribly soft free kick was awarded on the right, and the shortest player on the park headed into the top corner.

This stirred The Blues into action. Just a minute after the restart, a gilt edged chance fell to Boocock but it went begging as the keeper blocked with his legs.

10 minutes later, in quick succession, Varls rattled the bar with a header and Rich Collier’s volley from a corner beat the keeper but was cleared off the line.

The Azzurri’s increased intensity finally reduced the deficit 2 minutes before half time. The Elk darted into the box and was scythed down for his troubles. Penalty awarded. Lloydy was the coolest man in the stadium as he slotted away the spot kick. HT 1-2

A big second period was needed from The Boys in Blue, and it started well with The Elk crossing but Jake Hemingway unable to connect as he slid in at the back post.

There was a good shout for another Blue penner when Keegan Townrow was mugged in the 18 yard box but nothing given amidst loud Blues appeals. Not the last ‘interesting’ piece of officiating.

Bradders pushed a driven free kick over the bar. But there was nothing he could do in the 58th minute when Garforth charged down the left, crossed and a suspiciously offside looking number 11 scored his second.

Morgan James blocked on the line

and Boocock had a shot on the turn saved at the other end. Then Garforth’s number 9 kicked the ball away and went through James in the space of a couple of minutes but, inexplicably, was only cautioned for the first of the two offences.

Despite The Azzurri’s best efforts, Garforth ensured there was going to be no comeback with a fourth goal in the last few minutes. Garforth’s sub strode through and his shot was going narrowly wide but a backtracking Townrow couldn’t avoid the ball, chesting it into the net for an undeserved oggie. FT 1-4

Well, that wasn’t a 4-1 performance, we actually had the majority of the possession but lacked Garforth’s clinical finishing (5 shots on target, 4 goals) and so we missed the chance to go joint top. If we continue to play like that tough, we’ll win more than we lose. Trust the process, folks.

WEBMASTER MOTM – everyone in attendance will have recognised a good footballing performance, just got to toughen up a bit in key areas.  Some standouts were The Elk who was a force going forward, Keanan Mannings set play going on numerous occasions, Morgan James and The Colonel covered every blade of grass, and Big Al was lively up top. But the Glitterball goes to Lloyd Smith. All the best football involved him, ran his blood to water and scored a penno. Lovely stuff, Lloydy!

TWITTER MOTM – Lloyd Smith takes it from Morgan James, Zav Elkin and Keanan Mannings. Big Al Keita and Jake Hemingway also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Big Al Keita was chosen by match sponsor Image Co. Well done, Big Al.

303 through the gate. Thank you for coming out on a Friday night to support the lads!

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

The Blues are next in action at Westfield Lane on Wednesday, 13th September, when we travel to Maltby Main, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

With thanks again to match sponsor Image Co and matchball sponsor Andy Viggars.