Frickley Athletic v Handsworth FC

Recap

Frickley 0 Handsworth 1

To be honest, this was not a terribly high quality affair, with a goal from a set piece sending us to our fourth consecutive defeat. We were the better of the two sides for sure, but sadly no points for that.

The big lineup changes saw George Green return to the starting eleven and Nathan Fletcher covering for the suspended Kofi Appiah.

The Azzurri had the best of the opening 35 minutes. George Green set Brandon Burke away down the right but Al Keita could only hit his shot narrowly wide. Then Keelan surged past the Handsworth defence, his 50 yard run ending with his shot-cum-cross getting blocked.

There was a break in play for an injury as Burke was the victim of a nasty tackle, although it was the tackler who was injured. It should have been a red card but it was a day of ‘interesting’ decisions again and only a yellow was shown so Handsworth were able to make a substitution.

Just after the half hour, Keita crossed for Collier to volley just wide.

Handsworth took the lead against the run of play in the 40th minute. The referee made The Blues retake a free kick for no discernible reason which missed its mark the second time around. From the throw in, Handsworth took the ball forward and won a corner. A glancing header, from Ex-Blue Johnno Williams’s delivery, went in off the far post to break the deadlock.

On the stroke of half time, Handsworth went close with a long range effort that hit the bar. HT 0-1.

The second half was more of The Blues on top, with Green pulling the strings, but no goals. Green created early chances for Big Al and Keelan, both deflected or blocked. And Keelan had a free header that he could only direct straight at the keeper.

The best chance of the game for The Blues came in the 65th minute as an unmarked Big Al saw his shot stopped by the keeper after good work by Grist.

The Blues won a free kick in the 78th minute which Green hit well but the keeper got across well to claw it away. Shortly after, Green had a good shout for a penner after being barged in the area but unsurprisingly nothing was given.

Ben Hall and Big Al both had opportunities in the final minutes but they came to nought. FT 0-1.

Well, I can tell you what happened but I simply can’t tell you how we got nowt out of that one. We’re playing football that’s so much better to watch than last season but we aren’t taking our chances. Yet. Hold your nerve, folks, it’s coming…

WEBMASTER MOTM – I’m starting to sound like a broken record but defensively we were strong and we were creative going forward but with no tangible reward. Everyone gave it their all. Gristy, Brandon Burke, Big Al and The Colonel didn’t hide away and were always where the action was. Varls, El Binno, GBH and Jake H were tight at the back, giving Chaz Preston another quiet afternoon. A special word for young Nathan Fletcher who came in for Kofi and did the dirty work in the engine room like a veteran. However, The Glitterball goes to George Green, he was absolute class. Most of the best moves started with or went through him. What a baller. Great stuff, Greeny!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – The public agreed, Greeny took top spot with El Binno, Gristy and Fletch in behind him. Thanks to all who took the time to vote.

185 through the gate. A massive thank you to everyone who attended. The boys really appreciate it.

We travel to Golcar United next Saturday, 15th October, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there.