Recap

Frickley 0 Liversedge 3

(NCEL League Cup QF)

Frickley’s League Cup journey came to an end at the quarter final stage as a strong Liversedge side left The Wezzie with a 3-0 win, the scoreline perhaps a touch harsh on a patched up Blues team who kept going to the final whistle in awful conditions.

The Blues went into the tie stretched to the limit. With Cleggy and Collins cup tied, Jenko suspended, Tom A away with work and several others nursing knocks, it was a rather different looking side to the one that faced Pickering at the weekend. That reshuffle forced a few square(ish) pegs into round holes, with Woolly leading the line on his own and Kilner switching sides, while at least there was a welcome sight in seeing Luis AF back in action for the first time since mid-November. All of this came against the backdrop of freezing cold, driving rain, a pitch that was cutting up, and opposition who are currently setting the pace in the league naming almost their strongest possible XI.

Les Bleus were quickly asked questions by the league leaders, but also showed we weren’t there just to make up the numbers. Lindley had the first effort of the night inside the opening 10 minutes, but his shot was blasted straight at the visiting keeper.

At the other end, Sykesy was soon into the action, producing a superb save with his legs to deny Liversedge and then following it up shortly after by tipping another rasping drive over the bar to keep things level.

That resistance was eventually broken midway through the first half. From a 24th minute corner, Liversedge’s veteran number 6 was allowed enough time and space to bring down a low delivery, turn (slowly) and fire a shot into the bottom corner for his 202nd goal for Sedge.

The Azzurri were still trying to regroup when the deficit was doubled soon after . A cross from the right being met by a backheel from their number 7 that slipped past Sykesy and into the net in the 31st minute.

Despite the setback, The Boys in Blue continued to try and play. A neat passage involving Gadge, Lindley and Robbo ended with a corner late in the half, though it came to nothing, and the interval arrived with us trailing by 2. HT 0-2.

The restart saw The Blues have a real go at shifting the momentum. Lindley sent a rising shot inches over the bar early in the second period, while Liversedge reminded of their threat by hitting the post from the edge of the box not long after.

The Azzurri were dealt another blow as Woolly went down holding his knee and had to be replaced by Sheard, leaving us having to adjust on the fly again.

Defensively, there were still moments to admire. El Binno threw himself in to make a rock solid block, snuffing out a dangerous situation, and Sykesy was again grateful to see a Liversedge effort flash harmlessly across the face of goal, followed by another Sedge chance fluffed wide after a whipped in cross.

The third goal arrived in the 72nd minute, Liversedge’s number 9 side footing home to effectively end the game as a contest.

Teenagers Johnson and Horobin were introduced as The Blues looked to rest tiring legs.

The Azzurri had a golden chance to grab a deserved consolation when Robbo was hauled down in the box late on. Penalty awarded. Unfortunately, Robbo lifted the 76th minute spot kick over the bar, summing up a frustrating night in front of goal.

The final whistle confirmed the end of The Blues involvement in this season’s League Cup. FT 0-3

It wasn’t for lack of effort or commitment, just a combined case of too many absences, tough conditions and decent opposition. With all the cups now behind us, we can turn our full attention to the league and the challenging run of fixtures that lie ahead in February and early March.

WEBMASTER MOTM – plenty of positives, considering the disruption to the side. Sykesy had his moments with a couple of stunning saves. It was good to see El Binno and Luis AF back in the saddle proper, and Butch getting in some industrious minutes. And Gadge was refined and robust in equal measure. But the Glitterball goes jointly to Josh Lindley and Lucas Robinson. Lindley carried the game to Liversedge and, penalty miss aside, Robbo’s quick feet often left defenders in his wake. Bellissimo, boys!

TWITTER MOTM – Josh Lindley takes it from Lewis Binns, Will Sykes and Lucas Robinson. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Will Sykes was chosen by William Barber! Well done, Sykesy!

114 through the gate. Thank you for your loyalty, coming out to cheer on The Blues in the league cup! And a word here for a group of lads calling themselves the Pitt Ultras and who sang all night.

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

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 7th February when we get back to league affairs as old adversaries Sheffield are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….