Frickley Athletic v Knaresborough Town FC

Recap

Frickley 3 Knaresborough Town 1

Binnsy’s & Varley’s Blue & White Army marched roughshod over visitors Knaresborough Town with a largely dominant display to claim our first home win in 63 days (thanks to Varls for the top stat!).

The Blues were unchanged from last week’s victory over Goole other than Harrison Rowley joining the bench in place of the injured Reuben Brewin-Hawkins.

Playing up the hill, Zav had made his first marauding sortie into Knaresborough territory within 90 seconds of kickoff but his dangerous ball in was cleared.

9 minutes in and a cross into the box was met by Cleggy’s volley, it was well saved before being scrambled away for a corner. Will Sutton took said corner, hanging the ball under the bar for Jack Cawthorn to power his header into the back of the net.

The visitors resorted to some fairly rough stuff that went uncarded (if that’s a word).

On 22 minutes, ex-Blue Adam Priestley set the tone as the visitors’ biggest threat by twisting and turning in the box before hitting a low shot. However, Hewitson was cat like as he made a stunning save.

Just before the half hour, a ball over the top found Gilly, he was brought down from behind but the ref remarkably gave a handball decision against him.

Varls played a pass to Sutton who drove narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Priestley turned and volleyed comfortably over the Frickley bar from the edge of the box. He had another chance on the stroke of half time but another good stop by Hewitson, with his legs, thwarted the Knaresborough front man. HT 1-0.

It was a scrappier start to the second period and it took 10 minutes to spark back into life. The visiting keeper made 2 very good saves, firstly from Varls but he could only push the ball out to Gilly and had to repeat his heroics to prevent a goal.

Seconds later, a melee of bodies attempted to get to a ball into the Knaresborough box but only succeeded in cleaning out Varls. Penner awarded. A Knaresborough player was sent to the sin bin to cool his heels for 10 minutes as a result. Meanwhile, the skipper and caretaker boss dusted himself off and stuck away the spot kick.

Adam Hewitson remained on it as he cut out a cross at full stretch. But in the 78th minute, Hewitson’s goal line was breached as a high looping throw in was headed in to give the visitors hope.

The Blues had a little wobble as Priestley fired into the side netting with an angled shot. And with 2 minutes of normal time to go, Priestly struck a shot that was brilliantly stopped by Hewitson. The ball was cleared as far as Haighy, on as sub, and, like last week at Goole, played it to fellow replacement, Marcel Chipamaunga. Chippy had a bit more still to do on this occasion but he casually rounded the keeper and slotted it in to end the game as a contest.

Knaresborough continued to plug away, heading over from an injury time corner, but The Azzurri had it in the bag by then. FT 3-1.

Only our second home win of 24/25, and, a few weeks ago, we would probably have drawn or even lost a game like this despite our ascendancy. But no chance this time, we put the game to bed and the 3 points were well deserved.

WEBMASTER MOTM – our most confident home performance of the season so far. The entire 15 (the subs were a crucial part of this too) played for the badge, played with passion, played their percentages, and simply ran their blood to water. I’m just going to mention a couple of standouts, Jack Varley and Jack Holden in the middle of the park. They typified the whole side’s approach – unafraid of doing the dirty work, the harrying that is unquantifiable but absolutely essential. Unsurprisingly, the Glitterball goes to all of the matchday 15. In it together, fellas!

TWITTER MOTM – Defensive motm – Jack Cawthorn takes it from Zav Elkin Sheppard, Adam Hewitson and Callum Brook. Attacking motm – Jack Varley takes it from Joel Spence, Jack Holden and Will Sutton. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Jack Holden was chosen by Mick Johnson. Well done, Golden Holden!

182 through the gate. Thank you for coming out and cheering on The Blues, comrades!

To hear the thoughts of caretaker gaffers, El Binno and Varls, click here.

Thanks again to the walkers, Alex Hewitt, Mick Holmes and Chris Medwell, and local Leeds United Supporters Club representative, Mick Hewitt, who handed over a cheque to the club before the game for the floodlight appeal.

The Blues are next in action on Wednesday 23rd October, when we travel to Hemsworth Miners Welfare for a big local derby in the Sheffield Cup, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD