Frickley Athletic v Newcastle Town

Recap

18 years ago today, I married the current Mrs Webmaster. It was blowing a gale, the registrar wore black & she did a brilliant job. Yesterdays ‘match’ had one significant difference to my nuptuals & it wasn’t the weather or the choice of outfit…….

Although the weather ruined the game as a spectacle – particularly first half – that can’t hide what was a very uncharacteristic lacklustre performance from the Blues. New signing Liam Hughes made his debut, Tom Davie came back into the squad with Jake Currie unavailable. Encouraging news from Jonny Margetts is that he expects to return quicker than originally forecast

The talking points of the first half were a defensive mistake that allowed Newcastle to take the lead on 35 minutes, despite a valiant attempt by Tom Jackson & then up the other end Zeph Thomas being thrown to the ground in the box but nothing given. Talking points of the 2nd half were a penalty award to Newcastle where the player went down in increments – perhaps the wind was too strong for him but at least he did the right thing & his spot kick hit the post – & then an absolute howler where the visiting keeper dropped the ball, Liam King tapped it home which prompted the keeper to collapse as if Tyson Fury had hit him & the referee fell for it & chalked off a perfectly good goal. Everyone in the ground knew it was a goal, the away bench said it was a goal & the refs assessor said it was a goal – go figure…..

Ken ‘The Truth’ Whitehead:

Newcastle took their second away win in a week at Frickley, although the storm conditions ensured that it was one that won’t live long in the memory.
Unsurprisingly, the gale force wind didn’t make for the highest quality of opening spells. First real chance fell to Newcastle who had the wind at their backs. Ryan McClean got on the end of a wind-assisted ball over the top in the 25th minute, but one on one with the keeper, Tom Jackson blocked his shot well with his legs.
Frickley had the best of the next 10 minutes but the wind got another assist and put McClean through for the visitors. His shot was brilliantly saved by Jackson but Kieran Brown was first to the rebound, putting it into the empty net for the opener.
Brad Wells had a chance to level it in the 43rd minute but it was deflected away by the Castle defence. Moments later, Jacob Hazel had a long range effort well held by Newcastle’s Joseph Slinn.
After the break, it was more of the same until the 65th minute when Newcastle’s McClean went down under a decidedly light challenge in the box. The ref pointed to the spot but McClean, who took the spot kick himself, hit the upright.
Liam King had the ball in the net 2 minutes later but the ref adjudged there to have been a touch on the keeper.
With the wind behind them, it was largely one way traffic, Todd Jordan’s shot cleared off the line was the best of it, but the equaliser just wouldn’t come for the home side.

Me again – I don’t suppose it will be breakfast in bed for this game in 18 years time but we have to take our medicine & regroup ready for next Saturday when we travel to Glossop.

WEBMASTER MOTM – the standouts were the 2 Liams & the 2 TJs. Tom Jackson performed his usual heroics & Todd Jordan was very solid in defence (until he got a whack on the head & had to go off). Liam Hughes had a difficult game to make his debut in but I think we could all see what he will bring to the team & he showed some lovely touches on the ball. But I’m giving the Glitterball to Liam King – put in another great display & scored the goal that should got us something from the game.

TWITTER POLL MOTM – matches the above, Liam King taking it from Tom, with Todd & Hughesy tied in 3rd. Thank you to everyone who voted.

187 through the gate – thank you for your support on a very unpleasant day weather wise.

Next up we are away to Glossop next Saturday – if you want to travel on the Supporters Coach, contact John Longbottom