Frickley Athletic v Parkgate FC

Recap

Frickley 0 Parkgate 1

The Azzurri fell to a narrow defeat against Parkgate in a hard-fought contest, with a first half goal proving decisive. The Blues were frustrated in the second half and controversially denied an equaliser. However, there were plenty of positives for Frickley for the final 2 fixtures of the season and the longer term future.

There were 2 changes to the starting XI with a debut for U23s Harry Alexander and Harrison Rowley coming in for Luke Hinsley and Niall Butchart. Academy players Tyler Sheard and Alfie Studd also featured for the first time on the bench along with Wilfey Woodham, Dylan Sefton and Luke Williams.

The kickoff was momentarily delayed as Phil McCroakam presented the Supporters’ Player of the Year award to Captain Fantastic, Joel Spence.

The opening 10 minutes were a cagey affair, with both sides feeling each other out in a midfield battle.

The first real attempt came in the 23rd minute when Harry Alexander had a go from range, but the Parkgate keeper comfortably dealt with it.

Despite The Azzurri’s early control, the visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute with their first shot of the game, a well hit effort by one of their centre halves from the edge of the box that found the back of the net.

Frickley almost hit back immediately, but PMak’s dangerous cross in the 36th minute just evaded both Spence and Chippy by millimetres.

There were further attempts by both sides before the break. Parkgate fired wide from 30 yards whilst for The Blues, Tom A did the same at the other end, and RBH saw his free kick held. HT 0-1

The Azzurri started the second half brightly, with a slick move between Harry A, PMak, and Spence in the 47th minute ending in a shot that the Parkgate keeper gathered.

The Boys in Blue continued to press, with the keeper tipping Chippy’s header over the bar in the 55th minute.

A raft of changes followed, as Studd, Sefton, Sheard, and Woodham were introduced for their Frickley first team debuts, replacing RBH, Sykes, Rowley, and Cawthorn.

The hosts kept up the pressure, but Harry A and Spence both saw efforts saved after good build up play.

Then came the game’s biggest controversy as Spence’s shot was parried, PMak pounced on the rebound, his effort was saved again, but as PMak and Chippy forced the ball over the line, Parkgate somehow managed to clear before the officials spotted it. Words fail me.

Parkgate stepped it up with a header straight into the Sefton’s hands, before he was called into action twice more in the final quarter of an hour. He palmed a powerful shot over the bar and he saved with his feet in stoppage time. FT 0-1.

The result wasn’t what we wanted but the day was about more than that. We had our biggest crowd of the season, which included some legendary ex-Blues like Gary Hatto, Kevin Kelly and Lee Morris, and lots of friends and family. We had 5 of our U23s make their first team debut. There were a couple of U9s games against Colton Athletic on the hallowed turf after full time. The weather held off until said poor little U9s took to the field in torrential rain – had we kicked off at 3 then I fear we might well have seen the game abandoned, such was the downpour. However, we were together, literally and metaphorically. And as we all know, individually, we are one drop, yet together, we are an ocean. Can’t wait to be back at The Wezzie again, shipmates!

STAT ATTACK – 22nd March is the earliest peacetime conclusion to our home games in our entire existence, Covid notwithstanding.

WEBMASTER MOTM – plenty to be encouraged by, just a bit more goal threat needed. RBH, Keano, Tom A,  and Harry Gagen were strong performers. And Joel Spence played a captain’s role. Of the subs,  it was good to see Luke Williams back in the side. It was also great to see 4 of Martin Beaumont’s and Tony Jones’s U23s, Dylan Sefton, Tyler Sheard, Alfie Studd and Wilfey Woodham, come on and hold their own on debut. But the Glitterball goes to another debutant, Harry Alexander. Anyone who has seen our U23s before knows that H is a class act and he was no different for the first team. Playing out of position at left back too. Huge hurrah for Harry!

TWITTER MOTM – Harry Alexander takes it from Joel Spence, Reuben Brewin Hawkins and Harry Gagan. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Harry Alexander was chosen by Michael Johnson. Well done, H!

A superb 337 through the gate on Non-League Day. Thank you for your brilliant support this season. We look forward to seeing you all at The Wezzie again in 2025/26.

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

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 25th March, when we travel to Golcar United, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD