Recap

Frickley 0 South Elmsall United Services 4 (PSF2)

The Blues continued their preseason preparations with frustrating 4–0 defeat against friends and tenants, South Elmsall United Services. The game was a little more balanced than the scoreline would suggest but the Soldiers side made the most of their chances with 3 goals in the opening 20-odd minutes and deserved their win.

The Soldiers served notice as early as the 8th minute as Sykes had to produce a superb flying save to keep the game level. But just a minute later, a defensive lapse proved costly. A Blues defender was dispossessed on the edge of the box before conceding a penalty, which the Soldiers coolly converted to take the lead.

The Blues responded well, with Afonso causing problems up front, only to be denied by the keeper at his feet on 12 minutes. However, the visitors doubled their advantage in the 17th minute, capitalising on an under hit back pass. A quick square ball allowed for a simple finish into an inviting net.

Afonso again came close shortly after, seeing a close range shot well blocked. But the Soldiers struck again on 23 minutes, a high ball into the box nodded on and prodded past Sykes after the forward beat his marker to it.

The Blues continued to push, with Ari Triallist linking up nicely with Afonso just after the half hour, only for the cross to be cleared. Afonso remained lively, testing the keeper from distance and forcing another save on the stroke of half time, but the break came with the Blues trailing by 3. HT 0-3.

The second half saw further attacking intent from The Azzurri. Arun Triallist went close with a shot over the bar on 48 minutes, while Tom Alngohuru’s free kick troubled the Soldiers’ keeper. Anders Triallist and Alngohuru both had further efforts go just over, but despite the pressure, it was the Soldiers who found the net again, heading home a fourth in the 58th minute.

Afonso continued to push forward, seeing a 1-on-1 chance, created by Niall Butchart, denied by a smart save and later having an angled shot kept out in the 82nd minute. But when the Blues were handed a chance to pull one back from the spot in the 87th minute after a trip in the area, Arun Triallist drilled his penalty agonisingly wide of the post.

Tom Alngohuru never gave up and almost had the final word with a darting run and sharp low strike that rippled the side netting in stoppage time. FT 0-4.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of some signs of promise for The Blues, with chances created and trialists showing glimpses of quality. The difference on the day? Soldiers played with passion and took their chances. Simple as that.

It’s only preseason, we take that learning onto the next one!

WEBMASTER MOTM – that performance will have given the gaffer plenty to think about but there were bright spots. Reuben Brewin Hawkins and Sam Kilner were assured at the back and Takunda Katsere defended like his life depended on it. Niall Butchart and Arun Triallist (penalty miss notwithstanding) looked confident in midfield. And Tom Alngohuru was a live wire up top. However, the Glitterball has to go to Luis Afonso Ferreira who was a defenders’ nightmare and a constant threat. The only thing missing from his display was a goal. Lovely stuff, Luis!

215 through the gate, a very decent number for preseason. Thank you all for coming down to support us. It’s very much appreciated.

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 Tuesday 8th July when Barnsley are our visitors at The Wezzie, 7.30pm kickoff. It’ll should be a top night. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD