Frickley Athletic v Glasshoughton Welfare

Recap

Frickley 2 Glasshoughton Welfare 2

We’re back baby! And our first PSF of 2023/24 had the lot – well-taken goals, ‘interesting’ penalties, old faces, new faces, wind (lots), rain, sun, team and kit changes at half time! You gotta love preseason!

The Blues almost made the perfect start when pressure from Josh Haigh nearly forced an own goal in the first minute but the ball came back off the post. And Big Al struck just wide after some nice interplay with Wade Ripley and Rieves Boocock.

But it was Glassy who took the lead around the quarter of an hour mark. Their forward tucked away a cross from the left.

The Azzurri had several chances fall to them in the following minutes, including Haighy putting one just over and a lovely curling effort by Big Al Keita that went millimetres wide of the upright.

Yet with 40 minutes gone, Glassy doubled their advantage after a penalty decision that looked slightly outside the area. The resulting spot kick gave Callum Bradbury no chance.

Two minutes later, The Boys in Blue managed to reduce the arrears when Big Al was barged to the floor. Penner awarded. The Hawk jumped up and took it himself, making no mistake as he hit it high into the net. HT 1-2.

Wholesale changes at half time, 10 substitutes and a change from the blue and white home kit to the mint green away kit.

Rich Collier couldn’t quite hit the bulls eye as he rattled the bar then the shot from the rebound went over.

Then a couple of shots went narrowly wide from Eliel Maville-Anku, a lung-busting run by Xavier Elkins setting up the second of those.

The Blues were denied a stonewall penalty when the ever-dangerous Lloyd Smith was flattened in the box but nothing given.

In the last ten minutes, after a bit of defensive hokey cokey, Isaac Jeffries smashed home from 6 yards out to level it. FT 2-2.

It’s preseason and the result is meaningless, but Glassy gave a good account of themselves so the draw seemed a fair reflection of the afternoon’s events.

WEBMASTER MOTM – for a first PSF of the season, there was plenty to be encouraged by all over the park. In the first half, it was great to see Jack Burton back in a blue shirt. Kegan Townrow was a presence in defence. Mick Jones was a natural leader. Big Al was Big Al. Rip, Rieves and Haighy were linking up well. In the second half, The Colonel was sharp as a tack. Isaac Jefferys put in a mature performance. Mannings was assured in the engine room. The Elk and Varls were on point. And Lloydy and Maville-Anku worked well together up top. Thus it is that the Glitterball goes to the whole team (22 players got a run out!) for getting it down and playing football, despite the gusty conditions and not having played together much. Bravo Blues!

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

The Blues next PSF is here at The Wezzie on Tuesday evening, 4th July, vs Brigg Town, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…