Frickley Athletic v Golcar United FC

Recap

Frickley 2 Golcar United 4

After going 3-0 down in a catastrophic opening quarter of an hour, it was always going to be an uphill battle. But battle we did, and it took a goal in the last 5 minutes to seal it for the visitors.

Jamie Tomlinson replaced Cleggy in the starting lineup and Owen Dale and new signing Harrison Rowley were added to the bench.

If you’re of a nervous disposition then look away now. To be precise, skip the next 3 paragraphs as The Blues had the sort of start that would have had Stephen King peeking from behind the sofa.

118 seconds gone and Golcar took the lead from an unlikely piece of goalkeeping misfortune.

5 minutes on and Golcar put a ball into the box and their unmarked number 8 popped it in to extend their lead.

A third goal arrived in the 14th minute. It had more than a touch of luck about it but stemmed from our failure to clear a corner as the number 8’s gentle, speculative volley went in off the post.

It’s safe to look again. The shell shocked Blues started to steady the ship. The Azzurri’s first foray into the final third was a mazy run by Tommo in the 25th minute, ending with his wormburner going inches wide.

The Elk made a lung busting run but his shot swerved wide. And 5 minutes before the break, Spence played a superb Hollywood cross field ball to Sutton but he lifted his shot narrowly over the bar. HT 0-3.

After the half time citrus fruits and no doubt a flea in their ear, The Azzurri came out with renewed purpose. The visiting keeper had to be lively to nick the ball off Varley’s toes within 2 minutes of the restart.

Seconds later, Tommo ran onto a through ball, his shot was saved but deflected to Varls, he kept his head and stuck it away from 3 yards under pressure.

In the 56th minute, the glimmer of hope became a distinct gleam as Spence put in a decent cross and Tommo headed in, past the flailing keeper.

On the hour, a free kick fell to Keano but his shot was blocked.

Tommo got in front of his man in the box then was pushed over with 2 hands in his back. Stonewall penalty. Nothing given (wrongly).

The next 20 minutes were one way traffic down the hill towards the Golcar goal but that crucial chance just wouldn’t come for The Blues. Cleggy’s floated shot from 35 yards, causing the keeper to stretch, was about the best of it.

So it was against the run of play at that point then when the Golcar forward tripped over the ball in the 85th minute but was given the time to get up and still score from 10 yards out.

The Boys in Blue kept going, despite the bleakness of the situation, and the keeper had to make a point blank save to Tommo’s close range shot.

Tommo and Cooper almost carved out a final opportunity when Tommo beat the onrushing keeper to the ball. With the keeper out of position, the ball looped awkwardly to Coop but he couldn’t direct it goalwards with any venom. FT 2-4

It was another improved second half display and dear god did we try to fight our way back but that first 15 minutes left us with just too much to do. Chins up and we go again next time!

WEBMASTER MOTM – we kept the visitors very quiet and decidedly on the back foot for the majority of the game after their 3rd goal. The first goal scorer, Jack Varley was, as ever, a talismanic and dynamic leader, and the second, Jamie Tomlinson continues to impress with his predatory instincts. Keanan Mannings and Jack Holden were committed to the cause and gave their all in midfield. And Will Sutton was a blonde surge down the left flank. However, the Glitterball has to go to Joel Spence. He was an obdurate war dog in his singleminded aim to win ball. Just the job, Joel!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Jack Varley, Jack Holden and Will Sutton. Jamie Tomlinson also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Jamie Tomlinson was chosen by Joel Clarkson. Well done, Tommo!

211 through the gate. Thank you for your loyal support through not enough thick and too much thin!

On the subject of loyal support, the highlight of the day was mega fan Ella Carr’s Bake Sale which raised £192 for our floodlight appeal. An unbelievable effort by her and her family, and all of you who bought her wonderful cakes. Thank you so much, Ella. Also, some of our other super supporters will be walking the 20-odd miles to the Goole game next weekend to raise money for the floody fund. If you want to donate, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 12th October, when we travel to Goole, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there, however you get there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD