Recap

Frickley 0 Parkgate 2

It was a frustrating evening for The Blues as Parkgate stuck to their game plan of sitting deep, defending in numbers, and waiting for a break. It was strategy that ultimately paid dividends when the visitors’ patience was rewarded with 2 goals in the last 20 minutes to take all 3 points.

The contest was barely 8 minutes old when Spence robbed a defender of possession. His pinpoint cross found the arriving Robbo, whose first time shot was parried by the keeper before a defender made an overhead clearance in front of goal to keep the scores level.

Gagen was soon called into action at the other end to clear a dangerous ball into the box, but the momentum remained marginally with ourselves. Afuape showcased some sublime tekkers to win a free kick in a the Parkgate half, though the resulting set piece came to nought.

Just past the quarter of an hour mark, Andrew caused havoc when he beat the Parkgate custodian to a loose ball, but said keeper recovered well to smother two successive attempts.

The Azzurri saw their frustration grow when Robbo was hauled down on the edge of the area following a direct run, however, the ref waved away the appeals.

The Boys in Blue kept up the pressure as the half progressed, with Gagen turning provider for Afuape, only for a last ditch block to deny the winger.

Parkgate offered a reminder of their threat with a 20 yard effort that whistled wide, but The Blues surged forward again as Spence made a lungbusting run from midfield. He fed Afuape, but the ball was nicked off the his toe as he was about to pull the trigger.

The visitors went relatively close on the stroke of halftime when a curling free kick drifted wide of the far post. HT 0-0.

Les Bleus emerged for the second period with Lindley seeing a long range drive clear the crossbar.

But the longer it remained scoreless, the more the game began to noticeably tilt away from us. Sykes was called into his action of the half, safely catching a shot on the turn, before Parkgate nodded over from close range after the ball had been headed back across goal.

Seeking a breakthrough, Tom A and Liam Love were introduced for The Blues, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Parkgate seized their opportunity when a ball over the top saw their number 11 get there first to toe poke it past Sykes.

The Azzurri responded by throwing Price, Cleggy and Jenko into the fray but to no avail.

Spence and Robbo combined to test the keeper once more, but Robbo’s shot was held.  When Tom A was scythed down, Andrew stepped up to take the free kick, only to see it shave the wrong side of the upright. A frantic goalmouth melee followed a long throw from Tom A, but the Parkgate defence scrambled the ball clear.

As the clock hit 90 minutes, Cleggy hit the side netting after being played in by Gagen, but the comeback wasn’t to be.

And in the 3rd minute of stoppage time Parkgate hammered a final nail into the coffin, by exploited the gaps left as we pushed forward for an equaliser. Their wide man dispossessed Tom A and charged down the left, Tom A darted back to make good his recovery but slipped at the crucial moment. This allowed the Parkgate wing to cross to a teammate at the back post who made no mistake from 6 yards, settling the result. FT 0-2.

After holding the edge in a competitive first half, our influence waned after the interval, and we were hit with a pair of sucker punches in the last quarter. Hopefully, we’ll see a response next time out.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it wasn’t our best day at the office but it wasn’t without some positives either. Radz was all over anything in the air and Harry Viggars was a very useful physical presence. Gadge and Cody C were lively down the flanks in support of the attack. Josh Lindley and Harry Carmody were industrious. And Feyi Afuape was constantly looking for a gap but did his fair share of defensive work too.  However, the Glitterball has to go to Joel Spence. He was a blur as he covered every blade of grass. Salute, Skip!

TWITTER MOTM – Joel Spence takes it from Harry Gagen, Tom Radley and Feyi Afuape. Harry Carmody also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Harry Gagen was chosen by Karamo and Marcel. Well done, Gadge!

222 through the gate. We thank you for your super support, coming out on a school night to cheer on The Azzurri!

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

To see the full photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 28th February when Eccleshill United are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD