Frickley Athletic v Maltby Main

Recap

Frickley 2 Maltby Main 0

An early goal in each half was enough to see off a gritty Maltby side and complete a league double over them. The Blues dominated large periods of the game as they made the perfect response to last week’s defeat at Goole.

Benno freshened up the lineup with new signings defender Elliot Owen on loan from York City and winger Josh Haigh from the U23s. Wade Ripley and Lewis Binns also came back into the starting eleven.

The Azzurri flew out of the traps as Big Al Keita turned in the box and rifled his shot into the bottom corner as early as the 3rd minute.

Maltby came back at The Blues and Charlie Preston made a stunning save, at full stretch to push the ball around the post with his fingertips.

A fine 26th minute run by Wade Ripley could have seen The Blues go further in front but he chose to shoot, instead of squaring to the lurking Keita, and shaved the base of the post.

A goalmouth scramble just before the half hour mark almost allowed Maltby to level it but a free kick was awarded for an infringement. Panic over.

Big Al continued to be a constant threat as he was involved in another handful of chances as either creator or recipient. HT 1-0.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first with Les Bleus doubling their lead, and calming any nerves, when Josh Haigh had a go from range, the opposition keeper spilt it and Lloyd Smith pounced to tuck away the loose ball. That’s his third goal in three games – he’s on fire!

Minutes later, The Blues were denied a stonewall penalty. Big Al got in front of his marker but was wrestled to the ground in a move that Pat Bomber Roach would’ve balked at. The man in black inexplicably waved away justified appeals for a spot kick.

On the hour, Haigh and Rich Collier linked up well, first with Nathan Fletcher to carve out an opportunity for Collier, his rasping drive going inches wide, then to cross the ball to Elliot Owen, his header narrowly clearing the crossbar.

With 20 minutes to go, Maltby reminded The Azzurri that they weren’t quite finished yet as they rattled the bar.

Substitute Charlie Clegg kept up the pressure down the right and his cross forced the Maltby keeper into action, pushing the ball clear.

There was a short delay as Chaz P received attention after being caught by the Maltby forward when he made a brave catch in the 82nd minute.

In the final moments of the game, Big Al missed a gilt-edged chance to make it three when one on one with the keeper, hitting the keeper’s outstretched leg. Cleggy fired it back in but Maltby managed to clear off the line. FT 2-0.

Much better than of late, a proper footballing performance, a cleansheet and 3 points in the bag. Our first home league win and cleano since mid-September. That’ll do nicely!

WEBMASTER MOTM – this was a big improvement on the Goole debacle, and all were on point. A cleano was just reward for a strong showing by the defensive unit. Chaz P’s handling and shot stopping was up there whilst a back four of centre halves (El Binno, Varls, Elliot Owen and Fletch) were unflustered and quick to deal with danger. The Colonel and Kofi were metronomic, shoveling away for all they were worth in the engine room, and both got forward when the opportunity presented itself. And the front four were live wires. Josh Haigh was impressive on his first team debut and got an assist, and Wade showed his keen eye for a pass. Big Al Keita and Lloyd Smith were like boomerangs, they kept coming back again and again, and deserved their goals. However, I’m giving The Glitterball to Elliot Owen. He helped to shore up The Blue Wall, and I was particularly taken with his no nonsense approach, just got rid any way he could when it mattered. Top job Elliot!

TWITTER MOTM – the voting public recognised debutant Elliot Owen’s massive contribution as well and he takes it from Lloyd Smith, Al Keita and Kofi Appiah. The Colonel, Fletch and Wade Ripley also polled votes – further proof of how difficult it was to pick a single motm. Thanks to all who voted.

180 through the gate, we thank you for your brilliant support (and thanks to our mascot Lennon Jones, hope you had a good day).

Click here to hear what the gaffer Wayne Benn thought.

We are next in action next Saturday, 3rd December, when we travel to Garforth Town, but please note that this is another 1.30pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there.

Also, weather permitting, our U23s are up against local rivals, Hemsworth MW, on Thursday evening, 7.45pm ko. It’ll be way better than that World Cup malarkey on the telly so get yourselves down to The Wezzie!