Recap

Frickley 1 Pontefract Collieries 5 (PSF1)

The Blues got their preseason campaign underway with a testing encounter against Ponte Colls, ultimately falling to a 5–1 defeat in an El Classicoal game that, despite the scoreline, offered plenty of positives for The Azzurri.

It was a lively start, with new defender Sam Kilner called into action immediately, clearing the threat inside the opening minute. But Ponte struck early, taking a 1–0 lead on 4 minutes with a header that crept in following a dangerous cross.

The Blues responded well, with Sykes pushing a low drive just wide in the 11th minute. The new front two were at the heart of the action for The Blues, with Antoine Triallist almost beating the onrushing keeper on 18 minutes, only to see the ball spin away. Moments later, Sam Cable came even closer, lobbing the goalkeeper only to see his effort bounce off the crossbar.

The Boys in Blue deservedly levelled in the 23rd minute. A neat link-up between Antoine Triallist and Cable forced a Ponte defender to turn the ball into his own net.

Parity didn’t last long, though. Ponte restored their lead just 2 minutes later, stabbing the ball into the net from the edge of the 6 yard box.

Frickley pushed to respond again, with Cable heading narrowly wide from a Tom Claisse corner and then tested the keeper with a powerful strike after cutting inside.

Despite the pressure, Ponte showed their clinical edge, adding a third on 38 minutes from close range and a fourth just before half-time with a well-taken free kick. HT 1-4.

The second half saw Ponte continue to threaten, but the Holy Goalie Will Sykes, back from his eye injury, stood firm with a string of excellent saves. And Luis Afonso-Ferreira impressed with bursts of blistering pace and two rasping shots that were well stopped by Ponte’s custodian, but The Blues couldn’t find another breakthrough.

Pontefract finished off the scoring in the 88th minute with a neat finish from a cross, sealing a 5–1 victory. FT 1-5.

It may be preseason and the result ultimately inconsequential, but the game offered valuable minutes, a chance to assess new faces, and plenty of positives to build on as preparations for the 2025/26 season continue apace.

WEBMASTER MOTM – forget the result, there were plenty of decent performances all over the park against higher division opposition. Early standouts to these eyes were the likes of Reuben Brewin Hawkins, Luis Afonso Ferreira, Will Jenkinson, and Will Sykes – all in the second half. But the first Glitterball goes to Sam Cable. He looked sharp, hit the bar and I can see him bagging a few on this form. Attaboy Andy!

An impressive 230 through the gate, we thank you for your amazing support to start 2025/26!

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

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

The Blues are next in action on Friday 4th July for the El Elmsallico derby! Our good friends and groundsharers, South Elmsall United Services, or the Soldiers, are our visitors at The Wezzie, 7.30pm kickoff. It’ll be a great occasion. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD