Recap

Frickley 0 Handsworth 3

Martyn Woolford’s first game as permanent Frickley Athletic manager ended in a harsh 3-0 defeat at home to Handsworth, a scoreline that flattered the visitors and did little justice to the Blues’ encouraging performance.

The Blues started the game looking sharp in possession, playing the kind of neat, attacking football Woolford is keen to instill.

The opposition should’ve been down to 10 men inside the opening 6 minutes as Spence was scythed down by a 2 footed tackle but there wasn’t even a yellow card shown. The same player was yellow carded for another lesser foul minutes afterwards. Hmm…

Gagen went close with a powerful attempt that flew just inches over the bar after a tricky run into the box. At the other end, ex-Blue Tyler Williams drew a smart save from Sykes, but Frickley responded through Sheard, who beat the Williams down the flank but saw his cross overshoot everyone in the middle.

Handsworth had a speculative donkey bothering effort from distance around the 25 minute mark from nearly 40 yards. Otherwise, Sykes remained largely untroubled thanks to some excellent defending from TK and Jenko at the heart of the defence.

There was chaos in the box following a Butch free kick, and just before the break, Tom and Destiny both went close, the latter hitting the side netting after a lively run by the former.

At the break it remained goalless, with The Azzurri arguably the better side. HT 0-0.

The visitors started the second half well, heading wide from a long ball, but The Blues soon regained composure. Gagen’s cross found Sheard, who nodded down for Butch, but the midfielder couldn’t quite connect cleanly.

The breakthrough came for Handsworth on 55 minutes, when Les Blues failed to clear the ball pinging around the box. We paid the price when the visitors’ number 10 reacted quickest to convert from a couple of yards after the ball came back off the post.

The Azzurri pushed for an equaliser with TK, Cable, Jenko and Tom all going close, with Tom’s header the pick of the bunch, shaving the top of the bar, after fine link up play from Kilner and Butch.

Despite the pressure, Handsworth continued to threaten on the break. Sykes was called into action again as a Handsworth forward inexplicably hit the post when through 1 on 1, after going 10 yards clear.

As the game entered stoppage time, Frickley were still in the contest, but two quick goals on the counter attack in the dying minutes saw Handsworth seal the points. Another ex-Blue Josh Nodder scored in the 93rd minute and then put away a carbon copy in the 95th minute to add insult to injury. FT 3-0.

It was a cruel ending for Woolly’s side that had shown plenty of promise and intent in the new incumbent’s first outing as permanent boss. The Blues’ football was easy on the eye and, for long spells, they matched and outplayed their opponents. The final scoreline, however, told a different story.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we had to throw caution to the wind at the end, leading to conceding 2 late strikes but there was definite promise there. Standouts included TK who was solid at the back and composed throughout, and Spence who put himself about and did a lot of the dirty work. However, most appropriately on #teamjenko day, the Glitterball goes to Will Jenkinson. He was a commanding presence, marshalling the back line. Wunderbar, Will!

TWITTER MOTM – Will Jenkinson takes it from Joel Spence, Sam Kilner and Takunda Katsere. Thanks to all who voted 😉

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Will Jenkinson was chosen by Michael Johnson. Well done, Jenko!

308 through the gate, our biggest home attendance of the season, The Grand Duchy of SESKU turned out in force to see the Earl of Woolford’s first game in charge, proper, and to support #teamjenko day. Talking of which, a total of £441.92 was raised by the bucket collection for PACT –  and if you still want to donate, click here. Huge thanks for your generosity and your epic support!

To hear the thoughts of gaffer, Martyn Woolford, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

To see the full photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 14th October when Bottesford Town are our visitors to The Wezzie for a JCP Construction NCEL League Cup 2nd round tie, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD