Frickley Athletic vs Newcastle Benfield

Recap

It’s 4:45pm on the 14th March 2020 & we’ve just watched a largely forgettable game against Kidsgrove – little did we know that it would be 26 weeks (6 months in old money) before we saw a ball kicked in a competitive fixture.

A lot has happened since then, a lot has changed……one thing that doesn’t change is the buzz of the first ‘proper’ game of the season at the Sika Everbuild Wezzie! & so it was yesterday, as we entertained Newcastle Benfield in a preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup. Newcastle had already played 3 competitive fixtures before this game & it showed.

Here’s the thoughts of someone who knows stuff about stuff – take it away Ken….

In a hard-fought game Frickley did enough to comfortably progress to the next round at the expense of Newcastle Benfield.

It was the perfect start for the home side when Kern Miller fed Nyle Blake in the 6th minute. Blake beat his man and slotted the ball through the advancing keeper’s legs to open the scoring.

Blake nearly repeated the trick after quarter of an hour and the visitors’ Paul Brayson had the ball in the net shortly after but was offside. Frickley’s Tom Nicholson palmed away a stinging drive as well.
Newcastle were on level terms in the 44th minute when Jake Turnbull won a soft free kick wife on the left. Brayson headed home unchallenged.

However, Frickley went in ahead at half time. 60 seconds after Benfield’s goal Brad Grayson latched onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and rolled it into an empty net.

The Blues were straight at it after the break as Kern Miller headed a Nyle Blake throw goalwards but Benfield’s keeper, Andrew Grainger, was equal to it.

The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser but nothing to unduly worry the Frickley back four.

With 15 minutes to go, Grayson crossed for sub Jonny Margetts who could only glance the ball narrowly wide. Moments later, Margs smashed a shot against the bar but from an offside position.

Substitute Jack Wightwick made it safe in time added, firing in the third from the edge of the box.

Me again – Newcastle gave us plenty to think about in the first half but 2nd half our defensive unit applied the squeeze that meant that Tom Nick had his pipe & deckchair out from 4pm. A very watchable game to get the season started. An unusual start to the season, opening with an FA Cup game, but it was business as usual for the Azzurri.

Don’t forget that you can see a pictorial journey through the season here

Couple of videos from neutrals (although Joycey is secretly a massive Blues fan!!) – here & here

Damo Parkinsons thoughts on the game

Jack Wightwick gives it large

WEBMASTER MOTM – everyone gave a solid performance & there were a few standouts for me. The defensive unit were very tight & it was great to see Tyler & James Hugo bombing down the flanks. Kegan & deputising skipper Hotte were the midfield engine & Brad ran himself into the ground up top (& suffered some brutal treatment in the first half). But the Glitterball goes to Kern Miller – he was outstanding – well done sir.

TWITTER POLL MOTM – Kern Miller just nicks it from Brad The Bagsman. James Hugo, Kegan & Jack Wightwick also polled. Thank you to everyone who voted

The draw for the next round is on Monday so we will all be sat round out wireless sets listening intently.

Our next game is our first league game & it is next Saturday away to Chasetown, kick off 3pm. The supporters coach is full. Any fans going to the game can book tickets by contacting Terry Dando by email or phone giving their name, contact number and the amount of tickets that they require. This will reserve their tickets, which they can pay for and pick up before the match, the payment method will be cash only. Terry’s email address is terrydando@outlook.com and his phone number 07931154524