Frickley Athletic v Thackley AFC

Recap

Frickley 3 Thackley 0

Tom Claisse’s reign took off with a superb win and a big 3 points against a tough, highflying Thackley side. Blunting their potent strike force and riding our luck a little in the first half, The Azzurri played some exquisite football to score 3 times without reply in the second.

There was just one change from Saturday’s starting lineup as Guilfoyle started in place of Chipamaunga. Luke Williams is taking a short break from his travels, coming back to Blighty for some clean socks presumably, so he was a welcome addition to the Blues bench.

In the first 2 minutes, HDH had to make a smart stop but then The Blues did their best to push back. Gilly and Spence had half chances that came to nought, and Varls hit a shot on the turn into the side netting.

The visitors showed their threat with a through ball sending their forward clear but HDH smothered it brilliantly. Thackley flicked a corner wide and HDH had to deftly push a wormburner round the post. And Zav was alive to danger, clearing a tricky ball into the box.

Thackley were lucky to go in at the break with a full complement after a horror tackle on Zav was only shown a yellow. HT 0-0.

Following the half time Jaffas, Thackley had a couple of early shots wide and over. Then The Azzurri started to go through the gears as Varley’s drive made the keeper hurriedly get down to grab it and he forced the keeper to tip the ball over the bar.

On the hour, Gilly made the breakthrough, pouncing on a defensive slip and rifling the ball into the bottom corner to give The Azzurri the lead.

6 minutes later and the advantage was doubled as Gilly switched it to Cleggy, he drifted wide with the ball before putting in a pinpoint cross for Spence to head home. As good a team goal as you’re likely to see in a while. If Man City had scored that one, it’d be on the opening credits of Match Of The Day for years to come.

Varls stung the keeper’s palms and, in another sweeping move, Gilly played it to Varls who fed Spence and his shot smacked against the upright.

With 7 minutes remaining, Cleggy turned his marker and was hauled down in the box for his trouble. Penalty awarded though and Varls stuck it away with aplomb to effectively end the game as a contest. FT 3-0.

We can’t get too carried away yet but – note to self – don’t forget to take the time enjoy the highs like this display.  And I did enjoy that. Claisseball could catch on 😉

WEBMASTER MOTM – we always knew this group could play. This performance proved it. Up front, Gilly was gorgeous (best game in a Blue shirt), Cleggy was classy and Varls was voracious. In the engine room, Holden was Herculean, Spence was sublime and Keano was kingly. Off the bench, Willo was wonderful and Chippy was chirpy. However, the Glitterball goes to the whole defensive unit of Zav, Boothy, Brooky, Jack C and HDH. Those unsung heroes were a Blue wall. And that cleano was only our second of the season and was our first at home since March. Big up to the Big Dogs!

STAT ATTACK – if you’re a real stats nerd (no? just me then), that was our first clean sheet in a home win and our first home win by 3 goals since we beat Thackley 3-0 in November 2023. Spooky!

TWITTER MOTM – The attack of Gilly, Cleggy and Varls takes it from the rest. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Rob Guilfoyle was chosen by Alex Hewitt. Well done, Gilly!

178 through the gate. Thank you for coming out to see The Azzurri’s fireworks on Bonfire Night!

To hear the thoughts of the new gaffer, Tom Claisse, for the first time, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 9th November, when when we make the short trip to Parkgate, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD