Frickley Athletic v Silsden AFC

Recap

I recently re-stated my dislike of football in hot weather – I could easily become averse to games in last nights conditions if it means we are going to hand out gifts like Santa at a kids party

3 points were in the bag until we allowed distinctly average opposition to take them from us as easily as taking a ping pong ball from a kitten as a result of a poor 2nd half. As soon as we started playing panicky hoofball I think we all knew what was on the cards…..we saw it about 101 times last season

The most infuriating & frustrating thing was that our first half was so strong. Despite losing George Green to GBH in the early minutes, we regrouped & took the lead on 15 minutes after good work by Brandon Burke set up Keelan Grist to crash home for his 1st goal for the club. Then there were 2 good chances for Bennett, 1 headed wide & 1 saved. But then we hit the Snooze button for the 1st time & allowed Silsden to walk into the box & equalise.

But we bounced back – on 41 minutes Bennett was hacked down in the box but Keita skied the penner. Rinse & repeat a few minutes later – this time Grist gets mauled to the deck & Ben Hall makes no mistake from the spot

2nd half we should have known that Silsden were going to come at us – & we would have coped but every time we won the ball in defensive positions our distribution was terrible meaning it just kept coming back. When we did manage to get out of our own half & play football we looked capable. We were hanging on with minutes left when the defence completely switched off & a quick throw allowed Silsden to stroll into the box & equalise

However we had another great chance – Matty Hughes cut into the box & squared the ball to Czubik who hit the bar from about 6 yards out when it seemed easier to score. As we stood & rued our misfortune Silsden just ran up the other end & scored the winner

No wonder there are so many follicly challenged managers as this sort of Jekyll & Hyde performance would make anyone tear their hair out

Now this young team are going to build up plenty of credit with the fans because of their energy & commitment but they need to add a bit of steel & nous to their profile too – every one at the club wants this team to prosper & thrive

WEBMASTER MOTM – the defensive unit were going to figure strongly here until they let themselves down. A big shout out to Kofi Appiah – a gladiator in midfield. But for me the Glitterball comes down to 2 forwards – both very different in their playing styles but both good footballers. Bennett, powerful with good feet, had his best game for us but I am giving the award to Keelan Grist. Energetic, good footwork, a handful – took his goal well too

TWITTER POLL MOTM – this one is voted for by the fans. A close run thing with Lee Bennett just nicking it from Keelan & Kofi with Nathan Fletcher tucked in behind them & Lewis Binns also polled votes. All the votes will be collated to give us the Player Of The Month for July / August. Thank you all for voting

176 through the gate – thank you to everyone who turned out on a pretty unpleasant evening weather wise

Right come on – let’s go again!!!

#forzafrickley