Frickley Athletic v Winterton Rangers FC

Recap

Frickley 1 Winterton Rangers 3

This was no Valentine’s Day massacre but our undefeated run in February came to an end with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of second placed Winterton Rangers.

Ben Ellison-Tope came into the lineup in place of Ben Hall who got a knock at Ferriby on Saturday. Otherwise it was as you were in the starting eleven with new signing Harley Holt and the returning Alex Varley on the bench.

It was telling that the closest The Blues came to the Winterton goal in the first half, Big Al heading against the upright and Lloyd Smith firing over, were both offside. The visitors’ defence being well marshalled by the very experienced ex-Scunny old timer, Lee Ridley.

Harrison Davison-Hale made several decent saves but he was caught off his line by a 23rd minute Winterton lob from 35 yards. HDH’s despairing dive wasn’t enough to keep the ball out, palming it into the net.

Eleven minutes on and Winterton doubled their lead as a through ball found a suspiciously offside looking, but ultimately unmarked, forward who gave HDH no chance with a low shot. HT 0-2.

For once, the second period started well for the Azzurri, reducing the arrears less than three minutes after the restart, when a free kick fell to Lloydy to slot in from 6 yards.

Rich Collier went close in the 57th minute as his free kick grazed the bottom of the post.

But then Winterton restored their two goal advantage in the 74th minute. The Winterton forward was allowed to get free and shoot, HDH couldn’t hold onto the stinging drive and the forward rounded him to poke the loose ball over the line.

The Boys in Blue certainly had their moments in the remaining minutes. A corner flashed across the face of goal, never more than eighteen inches from the goalline, but evaded everyone. And Lloydy broke clear, tried to feed Big Al, the keeper got their first and pushed it back to Lloydy’s feet but it was cleared before he could get his shot off.

At the other end, Winterton’s best opportunity was when an 80th minute corner hit the post. FT 1-3.

Well, we were combative and gave it a go, and we were much better in the second half than the first. The difference between the two sides was a couple of (our) defensive errors and the lack of a Blue boot to put the coup de grâce to the best chances we created. We go again on Saturday!

WEBMASTER MOTM – no one had a bad game but amongst the standouts was debutant Harley Holt who came on at half time. His touch was good and he showed a real desire to drive forward and run at defenders. However, the Glitterball goes to Lloyd Smith. This lad is class. All the best attacking moments involved him and his finish for his goal was top drawer. Lovely stuff, Lloydy.

TWITTER MOTM – Lloydy took it ahead of Harley Holt, The Colonel, and Elliot Owen. El Binno, Brandon Murillo and Cleggy also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

164 through the gate. Thank you for your brilliant support on a decidedly chilly evening.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 18th February, when Thackley are our visitors. Please note that this is a 1.30pm kickoff (to save a few bob on the lecky bills if you’re interested). Hope to see you all there…