Recap

Frickley 0 Retford FC 2

The Blues were left empty handed as newly promoted Retford FC emerged from our first competitive meeting between the two sides with all 3 points. This was despite The Blues creating enough opportunities to have taken something from an entertaining evening encounter.

The Azzurri had the better of the opening exchanges and might have taken the lead inside 4 minutes. Sam Cable’s cross found Flanagan with the goal gaping, but he couldn’t bring the ball down and under control. A minute later, Cable was denied again when the ball was nicked off his toe just as he prepared to pull the trigger.

Andrew then kept the Retford keeper awake with a shot from around 30 yards, before Les Bleus went agonisingly close in the 16th. Cable raced clear one-on-one, only to fire straight at the advancing keeper, and when the rebound fell to Roberts, a Retford defender managed to stop the follow up almost on the line, with a hint of handball.

Retford issued a warning of their own when a 24th minute header produced a superb reflex save from Allinson, who somehow tipped the ball onto the bar. But seconds later The Azzurri were caught cold when the visitors were awarded a soft free kick. The set piece was struck directly into the bottom corner to give Retford a somewhat fortuitous lead.

Allinson was called upon again 3 minutes later, producing another excellent fingertip save to push a header over the bar.

At the other end, Andrew tested the keeper from distance for a second time before Dacre produced a superb recovery run and tackle to halt a Retford attack.

Los Azules almost levelled before the break when Flanagan’s 45th minute cross put a defender under pressure and nearly resulted in an own goal. HT 0-1.

The Blues continued to push for a leveller straight after the interval. Gagen found Flanagan very early in the second half and his cross was met by Roberts, whose header narrowly missed the target. Spence then worked the ball into the box, where Dacre controlled it brilliantly and twisted past his man, only for his shot to be blocked.

Retford briefly threatened to double their advantage when they tried to take the ball around Allinson, but the Azzurri keeper got a fingertip to it before quickly pouncing on the loose ball. And Dacre was at it again, making another excellent chase back to snuff out danger.

After Retford had seen one effort blocked and another fly wide, Les Bleus almost drew level in the 63rd minute. Flanagan attempted to round the keeper, who got a hand to his first effort before recovering to keep out the second.

Instead, Retford doubled their lead 2 minutes later on the counter. A break down the right ended with a cross to the back post, where the arriving attacker made no mistake.

The Blues looked to have pulled one back when Cable burst clear and fed Flanagan, who finished neatly, but the flag went up for offside. From the touchline, the decision looked an extremely harsh one.

The visitors were on the attack again shortly afterwards, appearing well offside as they broke through, but Allinson wasn’t waiting for the officials to intervene and produced another good save. Flanagan then saw a more straightforward effort comfortably gathered as the we continued searching for a route back into the contest.

Dacre was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge in the 77th minute, with the Retford player fortunate to escape with a yellow card.

Cleggy came on for Flanagan and  tried his luck from distance, but his effort cleared the bar.

The action ended with a frantic spell of penalty box pinball in stoppage time but somehow failed to produce a clear cut opportunity. FT 0-2.

Ultimately, it was a 2-0 defeat for Les Bleus, but the scoreline perhaps didn’t tell the whole story. We created plenty, but again the opposition put away the chances when they came.

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of effort or endeavour, and thus, there was no lack of solid performances. Allinson, Spence, Radz, Kilner, Gadge, Price, Cable and Flanagan all caught the eye and were right in the mix all evening. However, the Glitterball simply has to go to Josh Dacre. He oozed class all over the pitch. Just divine, JD!

TWITTER MOTM – Josh Dacre takes it from Charlie Price, Sam Kilner and Liam Flanagan. Thanks to all who voted.

SUPPORTERS’ MOTM – Josh Dacre was chosen by Gez Baxter. Well done, Judgment Dacre!

190 through the gate. We thank you for your devoted support!

To hear the thoughts of the skipper, Joel Spence, click here.

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

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 29th August when we travel to Barton Town, 3pm kickoff. Don’t forget that the game is being played at Winterton Rangers though. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD