Frickley Athletic v Goole AFC

Recap

Frickley 2 Goole 2

It was a flu-ravaged Blues squad that contrived to go 2 down in the final minute of the first half but then managed to claw it back to 2-2 in the last 10. Cojones right there.

There were 3 changes to the starting XI from the victory over Handsworth. Marcel Chipamaunga, Niall Butchart and Adam Watson, who made his debut, came in for Tom Claisse (flu), Jamie Tomlinson (recalled by Donny Rovers) and Ben Gelder, who move to the bench. Harrison Rowley and Dylan Sefton also joined the bench.

The opening 25 minutes were decidedly attritional, even scrappy. The best opportunity during this period came when Big Al blocked the keeper’s clearance but could only hit the loose ball wide of the unguarded net in the 10th minute.

The closest Goole came was a header well over from a corner.

The Azzurri saw a gilt-edged chance go begging in the 27th minute. A defensive mixup put the ball at Big Al’s feet in front of an empty net but he couldn’t keep his shot down and blazed over.

At the other end, Will Sykes made a great save, pushing away a stinging shot.

The Blues had a flurry of activity around the 40 minute mark as Watson headed just over from a corner and Chippy hit a long range shot straight at the keeper. Watson then crossed but it evaded Chippy’s outstretched boot by millimetres. Chippy injured himself in the process and had to be replaced by Cleggy.

It looked as if the half would end scoreless but a minute of madness sent The Blues in 2 goals behind.

A hopeful Goole punt was met with a dire defensive header over Sykes. It was going in anyway but the Goole number 10 nipped in to nod it on its way and claim the goal in the 45th minute.

Straight from the kickoff, the same Goole forward was put clear and rolled in a second goal less than 60 seconds after his first. A massive second half was going to be required by The Azzurri. HT 0-2.

After the break, the game was not without its moments but initially remained as disjointed as might be expected of a game involving 2 of the bottom 3 teams in the league.

Panashe M shot narrowly wide from 25 yards and Ben Gelder, on as sub, had a header that was on target (I know coz I was bang in line with it) deflected wide by the infamous Wezzie bobble.

On the hour, a Goole forward was unmarked as he chested the ball wide.

From then on in, it was The Boys in Blue in the ascendancy. Big Al almost beat the keeper to a bouncing ball and he had a shot on the turn go wide.

Not to be outdone, Watson went 1 on 1 with the keeper but hit him with his shot and he had an effort from the edge of the box comfortably fielded.

With 10 minutes to go, The Blues won a corner on the left. Zav took the set piece, it was flicked on and Watson reacted fastest, stabbing the ball home to reduce the arrears.

The Azzurri kept pressing and in the 86th minute the ball came out to the skipper Joel Spence, he hit it first time, lashing it straight into the top bin from 20 yards. After a late equaliser and a leading contender in the goal of the season stakes, Spence justifiably ran the length of the pitch in celebration.

And we had a sniff of a winner too when a ball was flashed across goal, tantalisingly close to the lurking menace that is Big Al Keita. FT 2-2.

Goole have now only been beaten once in their last 6 games so to get a point that looked unlikely with 15 minutes to go with a team down to the bare bones, due to illness, was a credit to every one of The Boys in Blue. And if you can’t win, then don’t lose – that point could be crucial come the final reckoning.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we showed some character to plug away and get something out of a game when the chips were down. Harry Gagen and Panashe Makwiramiti stretched every sinew for the cause. Zav never gave up either. Big Al continued to find chances from nowhere. Adam Watson was a real presence up front and his goal was that of a poacher. But the Glitterball has to go to Joel Spence. He’s probably had better games but he personified the never say die attitude and his goal was the best I’ve seen in a good old while. Good job, Joel 90!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Adam Watson, Harry Gagen and Big Al Keita. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence and Adam Watson were jointly chosen by Chris Medwell and Alex Hewitt. Well done, gents!

A super 261 through the gate, the second biggest attendance of the day in the NCEL Premier Division. Thank you for getting behind the lads again when times are hard. They really do appreciate it.

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Tom Claisse, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 25th February, when Bottesford Town are our visitors, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD