Frickley Athletic v Pickering Town

Recap

Frickley 1 Pickering Town 1

The Azzurri were the better side and created more but football can be a cruel game as a hardworking Pickering team rode their luck and claimed a 1-1 draw.

The Gaffer made 2 changes from the Albion Sports game with Elkin and Boocock coming into the starting 11, with new signing Ash Butterworth on the bench.

It was an explosive start for The Azzurri as a pair of Pickering defenders collided, Big Al nipped in to steal the ball, steadying himself he squared it to Morgan James. Jamesy finished as cool as you like, placing the ball into the bottom corner with only 63 seconds gone.

Pickering almost made a rapid reply but Townrow made a remarkable recovery to tackle in the 6 yard box.

Around the 20 minute mark, Lloydy’s corner found Boocock loitering with intent on the penalty spot and the keeper had to be alert to push away his stinging drive.

On the half hour, a superb through ball to Lloydy put him in a great position but a defender slid in to take the ball away just as Lloydy was about to pull the trigger.

Walker flashed a ball across goal in the 36th minute but no one could get the crucial touch on it. Big Al picked up the loose ball out wide and forced a decent stop from the keeper.

Minutes later, The Elk crossed and Big Al went as close as you can without scoring, crashing a volley against the upright. HT 1-0.

Less than 2 minutes into the second period, Lloydy took a quick free kick, passing to The Elk, he drove a cross into the mixer but the defender cut it out and cleared.

In the 57th minute, Walker showed a lovely bit of skill to nutmeg his defender then cross to Big Al but he shanked his shot over the bar. And to rub salt into the wounds, Walker got a knock and had to retire to the bench shortly afterwards.

As is so often the danger when you fail to put away your chances with a single goal lead, it only takes a sliver of fortune for the opposition to nick something. And that’s what happened in the 61st minute when a soft free kick lead to Pickering being allowed to play the ball across goal, although there wasn’t another forward in sight. The ball hit Rich Collier, back and doing his bit in defence, deflecting off his chest and into the net for the OG.

The visitors then looked the more confident but without many clearcut chances to show for it other than a shot deflected wide in the final 10 minutes.

Likewise, The Blues didn’t seriously threaten to get a winner either. Lloydy looked to have been hauled down in the box. Nowt given. And Ash Butterworth came on as sub to make his debut. He got a couple of glimpses of goal but was thwarted in his efforts. FT 1-1.

The Azzurri played well and we scored twice but unfortunately one was in our own net. A point apiece it is then.

WEBMASTER MOTM – a good performance with far more positives than negatives. However, the margins are fine and were the difference between putting away 3 or 4 and the result we got. Townrow and Varls were alive to danger and quick to recover. Onoh and The Elk were the same, and gave us attacking threat as well. The Colonel covered every blade of grass and his oggie was unlucky in the extreme. The best moves of the game involved Boocock, Lloydy, Boocock and Walker. Sky Walker’s showing was a particularly sweet combination of ballet dancer and gladiator. Ash Butterworth looked a good prospect too. But the Glitterball goes to Morgan James with a sublime finish for his goal and a top all round exhibition. Júbilo, Jamesy!

TWITTER MOTM – Rieves Boococock takes it from Morgan James, Antony Onoh, Keegan Townrow, Luke Walker and Richard Collier. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Rieves Boocock was chosen by Ian Clarkson. Well done, Rieves!

124 through the gate. Thanks for coming out on a distinctly chilly evening to support The Blues.

To hear the thoughts of manager Patrick McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 9th March when we travel to Knaresborough for a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley