Knaresborough Town FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Knaresborough Town 3 Frickley 0

The scoreline somewhat flattered the hosts but a combination of moments of madness and controversial decisions by the officials meant that The Blues left Knaresborough empty handed again.

The Blues were much depleted requiring 3 changes from the Bottesford game, with Tom Alngohuro returning from injury and Reuben Brewin-Hawkins and Charlie Clegg returning to the side. Much love to all our Blue brothers who couldn’t play due to a variety of unfortunate reasons.

Ex-Blue Adam Priestley kicked off proceedings with an early shot that required a smart save from Sykes.

Big Al sent Tom A clear in the 8th minute but he was flagged offside.

Ironically, little more than a minute later The Azzurri were behind to a goal scored from an offside position. Sykes went up for a high ball that was nodded out of his reach by his own defender, but only as far as a Knaresborough forward. They shot and it was going wide but another forward, offside natch, diverted it into the net. All present, home fans included, immediately looked to the liner for an offside flag that never came.

Priestley pulled up soon after, and was withdrawn early as a result.

Around the 20 minute mark, once more The Blues caught sight of goal then quickly conceded at the other end. Cleggy battled to win the ball but his half volley from the corner of the box lacked power. Knaresborough’s left back charged upfield and when he received the ball, 20 yards out, he was allowed to turn and hit a left footed shot into the bottom corner.

A stinging effort by Tom A was blocked before a dangerous cross by Cleggy had to be well defended under pressure from Tom A.

The Blues had to scramble away a tricky corner, then Knaresborough chested the ball narrowly wide. The home side missed a further gilt-edged chance as they shot across the face of goal.

Just after the half hour, Big Al pulled back a Keano throw to Cawthorn but he hit the side netting.

Big Al controlled a bouncing ball in the area but the ball came off his hand, conceding a free kick, before he fired wide. HT 2-0.

Big Al continued in the same vein after the break. Cleggy scrapped to gain the ball in the first minute of the second period, and fed Big Al but his shot on the turn rolled wide.

Knaresborough partook in a series of niggly second half fouls to break up play and prevent The Azzurri building up any momentum. Big Al was cleaned out as a result of a particularly nasty foul but only a yellow card was awarded.

On the hour, The Elk’s free kick found Big Al but his shot was deflected wide, and for a third time the hosts retaliated with a goal. Sykes was barged over as he leapt to take a catch and the loose ball dropped to a Knaresborough forward who popped it into an empty net. Unbelievably, the goal was allowed to stand.

Big Al turned provider, setting up Cleggy who drove a shot across goal. And The Elk crossed, forcing  the keeper to dive to cut it out before it could reach the lurking Big Al.

Big Al got clear of his marker but the defender recovered to slide in and dispossess him. Tom A went on a mazy run, the ball was cleared and picked up by Panashe but he lifted the ball over.

With 5 minutes remaining, Gelder, on as sub, charged down the keeper’s clearance but said keeper cleared up his own mess before Gelder could nip in.

We never gave up and the best chance of the game for The Blues came in time added on when Big Al shot from an acute angle but the keeper tips it over the bar.

There was still time for Sykes to make a save following a Knaresborough breakaway. FT 3-0.

If it’s true that you win or you learn then we’re learning a lot at the mo. We weren’t outplayed though. The officiating was ‘interesting’ and decidedly unhelpful, but we need to avoid those situations where we give the officials the chance to make an interesting/unhelpful decision. No matter, the 2 teams below us also lost so no need to panic, it’s as you were…

WEBMASTER MOTM – we were better than we were against Bottesford. Big Al, Tom A, Cleggy and Panashe grafted all day. Harry Gagen and The Elk kept pushing forward. And Keano and RBH were dogged. However, the Glitterball goes to the skipper, Joel Spence. Week in, week out, he’s a man amongst men, and again, he was the heartbeat of the side, doing the dirty work in the engine room. Just super, Joel Spence!

TWITTER MOTM – Big Al Keita takes it from Harry Gagen, Tom Alngohuru and Panashe Makwiramiti. Keanan Mannings and the 33 hardy souls who travelled also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Big Al Keita was chosen by Joel Clarkson and Mark Ainge. Well done, Big Al!

141 through the gate with a very impressive SESKU contingent. Thank you for travelling all that way to root for the lads.

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 8th March, when Winterton Rangers are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD