Frickley Athletic v Golcar United FC

Recap

Frickley 4 Golcar United 1

The Azzurri came from behind on a balmy afternoon at Westfield Lane to comfortably ease past visitors Golcar United by four goals to one.

Squad rotation saw Keanan Mannings and Eliel Anku come into the starting lineup in place of Mick Jones and Rieves Boocock, whilst Josh Haigh replaced the poorly Jake Hemingway at left back.

It took until the 19th minute before either side had an attempt on goal worthy of the name. BUt when it came it was snapped up as Golcar’s ex-Blue Ollie Russon was allowed to shoot and score.

The Blues didn’t panic and took the setback in their stride, levelling within 3 minutes when a Keanan Mannings long throw was headed home by Alex Varley.

Both sides had a couple of potshots from range before The Boys in Blue took the lead just after the half hour mark. Receiving the ball from Lloydy, Rich Collier fed Ellz Anku and Big Ank marked his first Frickley start by toe poking it into the bottom corner.

Big Ank was on it as he charged past his marker and crossed for Morgan James whose shot narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Just as thoughts were turning to the half time Jaffas, The Elk swung a dangerous cross into the box, necessitating a reaction from the visiting defence but Golcar’s number 2 nodded past his own keeper. HT 3-1.

The pace of the game naturally slowed as The Azzurri, with a 2-goal cushion, managed the game.

The Blues’ best chance coming on the hour when Varls crossed for Keegan Townrow to glance a header wide.

Big Ank had a shot saved and Keanan had a header well held.

With 20 minutes to go, a Golcar sub got clear but Callum Bradbury made a superb stop with his legs when one on one to deflect the ball wide.

Morgan James did similar at the other end but his touch was too heavy, taking him too wide to get a meaningful shot on goal.

Jamesy’s touch was far better in the 84th minute as he slid the ball into the path of Big Al who finished as cool as you like to effectively end the game as a contest.

Fair play to Golcar, they still plugged away. After Zav Elkin came off with a late knock meaning we finished with 10 men, the visitors forced a great double save by Bradders. FT 1-4.

An assured performance in very warm conditions, some quality goals and 3 cherries. The first time we’ve won 4 consecutive league games since December 2019!

WEBMASTER MOTM – this was a tough decision, everyone was on top of their game. Bradders was safe as houses, The Elk, Keegs and Haighy were in complete control, and Varls was a different class – he stops ‘em and he scores ‘em. The Colonel, Keanan, Jamesy, Lloydy and Big Al were like well-oiled cogs in a finely tuned machine. However, the Glitterball has to go to Eliel Anku. His first start was pacy, powerful and yielded his first goal at The Wezzie – a defender’s nightmare. Exceptional, Ellz!

TWITTER MOTM – Eliel Anku takes it from Alex Varley, Big Al Keita and Richard Collier. Morgan James also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Eliel Anku was chosen by volunteer Joel Clarkson. A clean sweep of the motms – well done, Big Ank.

177 through the gate. Thank you for supporting your local club!

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

And thanks to members of the Northumberland Azzurri Supporters Club for the accompanying pic 😉

The Blues are next in action at Westfield Lane on Friday, 8th September, when Garforth Town are our visitors, 7.45pm kickoff. Floody Friday! You can’t beat it. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley