Recap

Frickley 2 Thackley 0

The reign of new manager, Lee Morris, got off to a winning start as The Blues claimed a first home victory of 2026/27, ending a run of 7 league game without a win in impressive fashion. The Azzurri were down to 10 men for 45 minutes, but produced a memorable second half display to take all 3 points.

It looked brighter from the off. The Blues created 2 openings in quick succession from a 3rd minute corner. Gagen saw his effort on the turn blocked by the keeper’s legs before Cleggy’s follow up from a recycled ball ending similarly. 4 minutes later, Flan delivered a dangerous cross, but Cable’s attempted backheel was crowded out.

Thackley registered their first attempt in the 7th minute, a low shot comfortably gathered by Allinson, before Gagen came close at the other end when his 11th minute header drifted just beyond the post.

Cable then broke through on goal in the 12th minute, but his venomous shot hit the side netting.

Frickley continued to threaten, with Flan robbing a fullback and crossing in the 26th minute, only for Cable to glance his header wide.

Thackley almost snatched an unlikely opener on the half hour. Roberts made an important clearance, but the ball ricocheted off a Thackley player and looked destined for the corner before Allinson produced an excellent save. The resulting corner created further danger, with the visitors breaking clear, but the Frickley keeper somehow made an even better stop.

Spence saw a shot held in the 32nd minute, while Roberts tested the keeper with a low drive moments later.

Then, in the 44th minute, came what could’ve been a major turning point. Roberts was controversially shown a red card for alleged verbals following a challenge and free kick awarded after a theatrical tumble by a Thackley player. The Blues consequently closed out the halfreduced to ten men. HT 0-0.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Los Azules not only regrouped but took control after the break.

Humphreys was introduced for Flan at half time and Frickley continued to look the more dangerous side. And 6 minutes after the restart Les Bleus unlocked the Thackley defence. Cleggy battled brilliantly to dispossess a defender before driving towards the byline and pulling the ball back. Cable showed excellent speed of thought to get across him man and deftly to turn it in at the near post, giving the 10 man Blues the lead.

Thackley came close to an equaliser in the 56th minute when a clipped ball floated over Allinson, only to bounce off the top of the crossbar and over.

Cable’s 64th minute wormburner was safely held, while the visitors found a sight of goal 7 minutes later, but Allinson was again perfectly positioned to deny them with a comfortable save.

Willo and Andrew were introduced for Cable and Cleggy as The Azzurri looked to maintain their lead.

Willo almost doubled said lead in the 78th minute when Spence picked him out with a lovely square ball. Unfortunately, the ball got caught under Willo’s feet and his resulting shot lacked the necessary power to beat the keeper.

Thackley had another attempt held in the 80th minute before the Blues produced a gilt-edged opportunity on the counter 4 minutes later. Spence released Humphreys with a perfectly weighted pass, but he scuffed his shot wide.

Allinson was called upon once more in the 88th minute, producing a flying save to keep Thackley at bay.

Then came the clincher in the final minute of normal time. The ball found Spence on the edge of the box and the skipper simply lashed it into the net without a second thought to put the result beyond doubt. FT 2-0.

And so the Mozozoic era begins on a high. The new brooms, M & M (Moz and Meynell) instilled a fresh impetus and confidence into a squad we all knew could perform like this. A man down for more than half the match, The Azzurri were magnificent after the interval and thoroughly deserved the W. Let’s do this again very soon!

As an aside, I suspect that playing a third consecutive game against 3 different teams ending in ‘ley’ in 3 different competitions is a Frickley first and, no doubt, a University Challenge question of the future. What a time to be alive!

WEBMASTER MOTM – they were a band of brothers who simply played for that shirt. Allinson – crucial saves, Dacre and Jenko – shut the gates, Gadge and Purkiss – prowled the flanks, Price – a machine, Flan – quality as per, Cleggy – his tenacity made the opening goal, and subs Willo and Humphreys – turned the screw. And Sam Cable oozed threat, and his reactions for his goal were lightning. However, the Glitterball has to go to Joel Spence. The Doncaster De Bruyne lead from the front and was an absolute force of nature from box to box. Stupendous, Skip!

VOLUNTEERS’ MOTM – Sam Cable was chosen by a majority of the Blues volunteers at the game. Well done, Sam!

313 through the gate. We thank you for turning out in such numbers to back the new boss and cheer on The Boys in Blue.

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Lee Morris, click here.

To see the photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 29th September when we travel to Albion Sports, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD