Frickley Athletic v Hemsworth MW

Recap

Frickley 3 Hemsworth MW 0

The Blues showed no signs of a Christmas hangover as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over a strong Hemsworth side to take bragging rights (for now) in this local derby.

In our first game in several weeks, on loan keeper Harry Hampshaw came into the starting eleven and Ben Hall returned to the lineup.

The majority of the opening 10 minutes was played in the Hemsworth half but without incident of note. Then in quick succession, Lloyd Smith glanced a header onto the post and Big Al could only head the rebound directly at the keeper. And Lloydy robbed the keeper on the edge of the box but the recovered to collect the ball.

The chances kept coming as Big Al, Wade Ripley and Kofi all went close and Lloydy had a decent shout for a penner when he was floored by a forearm smash in the back that The Dynamite Kid would’ve been proud of, but nothing given.

Hampshaw saw his first action on the half hour, palming away an in swinging Hemsworth corner.

Too often this season, we’ve dominated play like this then the opposition have scored against the run of play and we’ve fallen away. But not on this occasion as Fletch passed back to Lloyd in the 33rd minute and Lloydy threaded a low, curling shot through a sea of legs to score from the edge of the box.

Hemsworth had a rare foray into Azzurri territory but shot just over with their best opportunity of the half.

In the last five minutes before the break, Les Bleus continued to pepper the Hemsworth keeper with Big Al, Josh Haigh and Lloydy raining shots on goal.

Then in time added on, Ben Hall swung a free kick into the box and Haigh fired home from 6 yards out to send The Azzurri in for their half time oranges very happy indeed. HT 2-0.

The second period starting in similar fashion to the first before Big Al picked up the ball on the edge of a crowded 6 yard box. He jinked about, any goalscoring chance seemingly gone, but then rifled his shot into the net from what looked an impossibly acute angle.

The game was over as a contest in the 65th minute, when the visitors were reduced to ten men as a result of a nasty tackle on Hall.

The Blues looked to increase the score but both Rip (twice) and Elliot Owen were denied by stunning saves by the Hemsworth keeper.

As Azzurri legs tired, they settled for managing the final quarter of an hour to secure the win and a vital 3 points. FT 3-0.

That was the best all round performance of the season so far by The Blues! We bested Hemsworth in every area and fully deserved the win. If anything, it should’ve been by more than three, and would’ve been if it weren’t for the Hemsworth keeper’s fine display to keep the score respectable. Let’s do that again, every week…

WEBMASTER MOTM – a superb performance from everyone. Harry Hampshaw didn’t have much to do, thanks to great defensive performance, but what he did, he did terribly well. Fullbacks Fletch and Ben Hall kept the wingers quiet all game and both got an assist. Owen and El Binno were veritable rocks at the heart of the defence and didn’t put a foot wrong. Kofi and The Colonel scrapped like their lives depended on it in the engine room. Rip and Josh Haigh gave their markers a torrid afternoon, and Haighy’s goal was a beaut. All the best attacking stuff went through Lloydy who ran his blood to water again and deserved his goal. Big Al did same and made his goal out of nothing. And the subs, Varls, Moss, Hemingway and Cleggy, slotted in seamlessly. So I’m giving the Glitterball to the whole team – it’s the only possible decision this week! Bravo boys!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – the public have spoken, Lloyd takes it from Big Al, Elliot Owen and Fletch. Rich Collier and ‘all 11 / every one of them’ also polled. Thanks for voting.

An amazing 518 through the gate! Our biggest home attendance since May 2018. Thank you for your brilliant and vocal support. That was a good day!

Click here for gaffer Wayne Benn’s thoughts on the game.

We’re next in action Monday 2nd January when we travel to highflying Winterton Rangers. Hope to see you all there!