Recap

Frickley 1 Thackley 0

The Azzurri ground out a gritty 1-0 victory over Thackley, with a moment of brilliance from Luis Afonso Ferreira sealing all 3 points in a tight and hard fought contest at The Wezzie, on Blues legend Barry Gill’s birthday! Happy birthday, Sir Barry!

The Blues started on the front foot, with Destiny, Tom A, and Spence linking up in the 2nd minute only for the shot to be blocked. Thackley responded quickly, rolling the ball dangerously across goal on 6 minutes, but The Blues’ defence stood firm.

Sykesy was called into action several times in the opening quarter of an hour, producing a fine stop at the near post to a difficult, low shot and later gathering another effort, even though it looked to be drifting wide.

At the other end, Destiny caused problems with his pace but was twice thwarted by the notorious Wezzie Bobble, the unpredictable bounce frustrating The Blues’ attacking play.

Tempers flared in the 19th minute as both number 9s, Destiny and his Thackley counterpart, went into the referee’s book after a bit of a Dynamite Kid v Rollerball Rocco moment. Continuing the wrestling them, seconds later, Tom A was subjected to a Giant Haystacks-style clothesline but only a free kick was given, coming to nought.

Robbo and Destiny both went close as the half wore on, while Sykes continued to look solid, sweeping up trouble outside his area.

Sam Tingle’s free kick on 39 minutes caused mild panic in the Thackley box, but The Blues couldn’t convert. Despite a flurry of half chances before the break, the sides went in goalless, the match resembling a fascinating game of chess. HT 0-0.

The Boys in Blue began the second half with intent, as Tom A tested the keeper inside 20 seconds. Destiny and Robbo also kept him on his toes, while Woolly was only denied by a superb point blank save after a corner was worked back into the box.

At the other end, Sam Kilner took his eye off the ball for a split second, allowing a Thackley forward to break through. However, Killer produced the most outstanding outstanding last-ditch tackle you’re ever likely to see to prevent a certain goal for Thackley. This game is isn’t about not making mistakes, it’s how you respond to them that counts.

The breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute, and it was well worth the wait. WillJenkinson’s pinpoint diagonal ball dropped perfectly towards the right hand corner of the box, where Luis AF met it first time with a stunning volley that flew over the keeper and into the net. A goal of the season contender to send the crowd into delirium. Not bad for someone who’d only come on as sub less than 2 minutes previously.

The Azzurri might have doubled the lead when Radz went very close with a header from a corner. And when a penalty was awarded in the 84th minute after Lucas Robinson was clipped in the area it looked like it was going to be curtains for the visitors. The Blues’ winger took the spot kick himself, striking it well, but the Thackley keeper guessed right and pulled off a decent save.

Destiny twice threatened to kill the game off late on, rolling his man and firing wide before heading just past the post in stoppage time.

Despite the late near misses, The Azzurri defence held firm, and the final whistle brought huge celebrations. Checkmate. FT 1-0.

In the main, the game was an object lesson in defending. So to get the win was a fine result against tough opposition, sealed by a moment of magic from LAF. Even the missed penalty couldn’t shake The Blues’ determination and concentration.

WEBMASTER MOTM – a team performance where everyone took responsibility. At the back, Killer, Jenko, CC and Sykesy were a brick wall, thoroughly deserving the cleano. Destiny, Tom A and Robbo were relentless in their drive forward. In the engine room, Spence, Woolly and The Sting were midfield guerillas. And off the bench, Luis AF was our very own Garry Kasparov, applying his version of the ‘scholar’s mate’, and Butch crucially closed out the game. However, the Glitterball goes to the grandmaster Tom Radley. Anything that came into the defensive third got smashed away – the ball, opposition forwards, fellow defenders, the lot. Right on, Radz!

TWITTER MOTM – Tom Radley takes it from Destiny, Sam Kilner and Tom Alngohuru. ‘All of them’ also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Sam Kilner was chosen by Reuben Brewin Hawkins. Well done, Killer!

182 through the gate. Thank you for such vocal support. You were the 12th man!

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

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 19th August when we travel to Bottesford Town, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD