Frickley Athletic v Winterton Rangers FC

Recap

Frickley 1 Winterton Rangers 3
(NCEL League Cup)

It was a much-altered Blues side that went out of the League Cup at their first hurdle to a strong Winterton team but seeing some of the loyal squad players getting game time and Kofi’s wonder-strike was some consolation.

The Blues started well as Big Al caused early havoc in the Winterton box, running at goal and seeing his shot ricochet around, before being cleared. But there was only 9 minutes on the clock when Winterton were allowed to shoot from the edge of the box, and a wormburner beat the diving Chaz Preston to make it 1-0.

The Azzurri continued to press forward, Keita crossing well for Szymon Czubik to head just over the bar. However, it was 2-0 to the visitors in the 19th minute and our chances of getting a result were already looking slim.

25 minutes gone and there was hope of pulling a goal back when Czubik went on a mazy run, rounded the keeper, had his first shot block then was scythed down for a penner. Ben Hall stepped up to take it only to have his spot kick well saved.

Winterton had the ball in the net again before half time but it was but disallowed for a foul. HT 0-2.

The first half an hour of the second half was largely an attritional midfield scrap broken only by a third Winterton goal on 53 minutes. Awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Winterton hit the bar and their number 9 nodded in the rebound from a couple of yards out to effectively end the contest.

Despite this, The Boys in Blue had a strong final 15 minutes as Keelan Grist, on as sub, grazed the bar with a fine volley on the turn. Then with 8 minutes to go, Kofi Appiah hit an absolute pile driver from 20 yards out! Think Tony Yeboah’s goal of the season for Leeds v Liverpool.

The Colonel, also on as sub, drove his shot narrowly wide, soon after.

In time added on Winterton broke through and should have made it four but their forward could only roll his shot wide of the upright when one on one with the keeper. FT 1-3.

So The Blues might be out of the League Cup but the goal of the season competition is certainly hotting up after Kofi’s thunder-barsteward of a goal. In time honoured fashion – we can now concentrate on the league…

WEBMASTER MOTM – Rather like the Thackley game, we weren’t sparkling but we still tried to play passing football and defensively we didn’t offer up too many more chances than Winterton scored from. Kofi and Al Keita continued to be consistency personified. Brandon Burke and Szymon Czubik were constantly involved too. The other standouts to these eyes were those who haven’t had so much game time, Josh Lockwood and Charlie Clegg came in and were solid, letting no-one down with their performances. Along the same lines, I’m giving The Glitterball to Sam Cullingworth. Culture Club was dogged in defence and was always on the lookout for an opportunity to get forwards. Congrats Cullo!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – Affirmation from the public as Charlie Clegg just edged out Kofi and Cullo, with Big Al Keita polling votes too. Thanks to all who voted.

164 through the gate – an amazing number for a league cup game. Thank you for your wonderful support.

The bucket collection raised over £200 for Brandon Murillo who attended tonight’s game. Thank you for your generosity. Brandon was in fine form and wanted you to know what a difference this will make to his recovery, thanking you all from the bottom of his heart for all your very kind donations. You can still donate if you wish to by clicking here.

We are next in action on Saturday when we face Handsworth in the league, here at The Wezzie. Hope to see you all there.