Frickley Athletic v Thackley AFC

Recap

Frickley 0 Thackley 3

A tough afternoon started badly, going a goal down to Thackley in under a minute, and ended with the resignation of manager Wayne Benn following a 3-0 defeat.

Josh Hemingway and Harley Holt came into the starting lineup in place of the unavailable Callum Beaumont and suspended Big Al Keita.

The visitors flew out the blocks. There were a mere 33 seconds on the clock when ex-Blue George Green received the ball direct from a Frickley clearance, crossed into the box, the ball was headed down and a Thackley forward buried it.

The frenetic start continued as Lloyd Smith broke through and fired narrowly wide twice in a minute. Thackley hit the bar. Lloydy robbed the defender on the edge of the box but couldn’t find a Blue shirt with his drag back. And we weren’t at the quarter of an hour mark yet.

Thackley doubled their lead in the 21st minute when they were awarded a soft free kick about 20 yards out and scored directly from said set piece.

Again The Azzurri pushed back as Josh Haigh hit the bar with a cross-cum-shot and Lloydy lifted a shot over the bar from near the penalty spot.

Towards the end of the half The Blues got into the Thackley box a couple of times but couldn’t get a shot off despite good positions. HT 0-2.

At half time, Fletch came on for an ill HDH whilst Rich Collier played a captain’s role in taking his place in the net.

The Colonel wasn’t tested too much as, in the main, Thackley appeared happy to sit on their lead and absorb Blue pressure.

Thus it was that goalmouth action was at a premium until the 82nd minute. Thackley got their third with a ball lobbed over the top to a suspiciously offside-looking forward who, unperturbed, slotted past The Colonel. FT 0-3.

We were better (and had more possession) in the second period than the first but the execution and finishing left something to be desired throughout. At least the early kickoff meant we all got home early for our tea. Then came the sad news of Benno’s resignation. We thank him again for all his efforts but as ever The Blues go on. Now chin up, chest out and go again, lads, play for the shirt.

WEBMASTER MOTM – not one of our better starts to a game but we kept plugging away. The standouts to these eyes were Ben Ellison-Tope and Harley Holt who were constantly looking to get the ball forward and to get on the offensive, and Lloydy who on another day might’ve scored a couple. And a special mention for Rich Collier for stepping up and donning the gloves in the second half. But I’m awarding the Glitterball to Elliot Owen for his unsung dirty work, chasing back and tidying up. Eyup Elliot!

TWITTER MOTM – Lloydy shades it from Harley Holt and Ben Ellison-Tope with Elliot Owen behind them. El Binno, Haighy, Josh Hemingway and The Colonel also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

206 through the gate. Thank you for your continued unwavering support through these difficult times.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 21st February, when we make the trip to Silsden AFC for a 7.45pm kickoff. Stick with us, dear reader, and hope to see you all there…