Frickley Athletic v Penistone Church

Recap

Frickley 1 Penistone Church 4

In a much less one sided game than the scoreline would suggest, the visitors showed the importance of ruthlessly putting away the opportunities when they come.

The only change from the Rosso game was Antony Onoh came in to replace Rylee Grove who was a late withdrawal due to injury. And Rieves Boocock’s inclusion in the starting XI meant that he would be making his 50th appearance for the club. Congrats, RB.

The opening quarter of an hour were all Frickley as Morgan and The Elk both had early sighters from distance. And a looping cross from Jamesy deceived the keeper and fell for Rieves but the keeper recovered to hold onto the shot.

But then on 17 minutes Penistone scored with their first shot of the game, firing in a loose ball from the edge of the box after a weak clearance.

The Azzurri’s defence restricted Penistone to no more than a couple more very wayward attempts over the course of the rest of the half.

Just before the break, The Blues had a good chance of their own, Walker’s shot forcing the keeper to push it away at full stretch. HT 0-1

Penistone extended their lead in the 55th minute. Given a soft free kick, the visitors made the most of it when the ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and one of Penistone’s centre halves prodded the ball in from a couple of yards out.

8 minutes later Young Macca, on as sub, was robbed by the fullback who cut inside and stuck it away with a curling shot.

On 68 minutes, Boocock nipped in at the back post from a corner but his shot was deflected out for another corner.

With 74 minutes gone, one Penistone sub got clear and passed to another rather offside looking sub to tap in number 4.

Penistone went close again, shooting into the ground and it bounced inches over the bar.

With a little under 10 minutes left to play, The Azzurri scored their first goal in over 7 hours of play. Rieves was manhandled to the floor in the box and inexplicably the ref awarded a free kick the other way. However, after consulting the liner, the ref overturned his decision and pointed to the spot. Rieves got up to slot the penner away. FT 1-4.

It all went a bit Pete Tong in the second half but there was no lack of effort. So no point moping, get them chins up, chests out and go again…

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a performance that wasn’t without its positives. Sky Walker and The Colonel were a pair of warhorses, doing shuttle runs up and down the hill. Jake H, The Elk and Tony Onoh were always looking for a chance to play out from the back. Big Al and Jamesy kept probing for those gaps. And it was good to see Young Macca back in a Blue shirt. But very appropriately in his 50th game for The Blues, the Glitterball goes to Rieves Boocock. Showed desire and his spot kick was ice cold.

TWITTER MOTM – Rieves Boocock takes it from Richard Collier, Jake Hemingway and Luke Walker. Big Al Keita, Morgan James and Josh McLaughlan also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Rieves Boocock was chosen by Richard Hill. Well done Rieves!

148 through the gate. Thanks for coming out in midweek to cheer on The Blues!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Pat McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action tomorrow, Saturday 23rd March, when we host Tadcaster Albion, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley

#FFTD