Frickley Athletic v Rossington Main FC

Recap

Frickley 4 Rossington Main 0

On the 39th anniversary of beating Hartlepool United 1-0 in the FA Cup 2nd round proper, The New Model Blue Army blew Rosso away to take all 3 points in gale force conditions.

There were 5 changes from last week with Zav Elkin Sheppard and Joel Spence back from suspension, Big Al Keita came in for a second debut and Jack Cawthorn and Jamie Tomlinson also returned to the starting lineup. Callum Brook, Tom Claisse, Charlie Clegg, Jack Varley and Mason Booth made way, with the last 4 of those moving to the bench with Kenzie Dillon.

The U10s team accompanied the first team out as mascots and we had a minute’s silence before ko to remember Zav’s grandad, Bill Sheppard, who recently passed away. RIP Bill and much love to his family.

Any thoughts that Storm Darragh would thwart attempts at playing attractive football were quickly dispelled as Big Al shot across goal, forcing the defender to clear it over the bar, and Gilly hit a free kick inches over from 40 yards out.

With 12 minutes gone, Zav charged down the right with the wind at his heels, played the perfect ball to Chippy and he half volleyed into the top corner. Goal of the season contender right there.

Within 110 seconds of the restart, The Azzurri’s lead was doubled as Chippy turned provider. Chippy squared from the right to Gilly, he picked his spot and fired into the bottom corner.

One of Rosso’s many ex-Blues, Paul Sherburn shaved the post with a shot but The Blues were on fire, presumably the wind was fanning the flames. So only 8 more minutes had elapsed when The Blues had a third. Tommo darted down the left and crossed to Big Al who blasted the ball past the helpless keeper to  make his return a goalscoring one.

Tommo continued to impose himself on proceedings. His low diagonal shot was held by the keeper. And a 35th minute ball over the top found Tommo but he could only hit the onrushing keeper.

In the run in to half time, The Boys in Blue were playing a mobile, one-touch passing game. A particularly swift move involving Spence, Big Al, Chippy and Gilly was only hampered by the wind as it took the ball away from Gilly at the last moment. HT 3-0.

After the break, Rosso went close to reducing the arrears, heading against the post from a corner in the 54th minute and HDH made a fingertip stop from the rebound.

Just after the hour, Joel Spence deftly back-heeled Gilly’s corner goalwards only to see it tipped over the bar for another corner. Gilly took it again and Tommo ghosted in to nod in a well deserved goal.

Despite the scoreline, the visitors weren’t lying down. HDH had to show great agility to claw away a corner curled and blown towards his net. And Rosso missed a sitter when the ball fell to their forward in the 6 yard box but HDH had also done well to stop it with his legs.

Spence chased down a seemingly lost cause before crossing. The ball was cleared but only as far as Tommo and the keeper had to get down smartish to stop his rasping drive.

With 8 minutes to go, Cleggy, on as sub, went clear. Cleggy was 1 on 1 with the keeper and slid the ball past him for what looked like a certain goal but another ex-Blue Brandon Murillo managed to get back to clear it off the line.

In time added on, Rosso struck a pile driver from distance that looked like it was destined for top bins until HDH made a stunning and acrobatic flying save. FT 4-0.

4 quality goals and a clean sheet. That performance has been coming for a few weeks. And it was our biggest home win since beating Market Drayton Town 4-0 in October 2020. Enjoy the highs!

WEBMASTER MOTM – that was quite a team performance:

HDH – he earned that cleano.

The Elk – will have made his grandad very proud.

Butch – top level decision making.

Ruby – his best game in a Blue shirt.

JC – the enforcer.

Keano – non-league Kanté.

Big Al – he’s back with a bang.

Joel 90 – had a tiger in his tank.

Gilly – gimlet-eyed assassin.

Chippy – defender’s nightmare.

Tommo – simply unplayable.

Subs – Varls, Cleggy and Dillon – kept the pressure on.

And TC, Crooksy, El Binno and Landy – we see you.

The Glitterball goes to every one of the matchday squad and coaching team. Congrats, comrades!

TWITTER MOTM – The Whole Team takes it from All Of ‘Em, Everybody and Everyone. Thanks to all who voted 😉

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Zav Elkin Sheppard was chosen by Cal Cullen. Well done, Elk!

131 hardy souls through the gate. Thank you for braving the storm to support The Azzurri!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 14th December, when Tadcaster Albion are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD