Garforth Town FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Garforth Town 4 Frickley 2

Two first half equalisers by The Azzurri weren’t enough as a hat trick by Charlie Marshall, nephew of legendary ex-Blues boss Sean Marshall, was ultimately enough to see Garforth take the 3 points.

Lewis Binns, Josh Haigh and Morgan James came into the starting lineup for Richard Patterson, Brandon Murillo and Zak Kersey. Zak moved to the bench along with the incoming Wade Ripley and Nathan Fletcher.

The Blues were on the back foot early on as Bradders made a full length flying save from a long shot in the 5th minute, and were behind in the 9th. The ref missed a pull on Lloydy that allowed Garforth to break and score from the ball they won by suspect means. Bradders saved the first shot but the rebound dropped nicely for their number 11 to tuck away.

In the 25th minute, Collier volleyed wide, and within a minute he’d also forced a top stop from the home keeper. Lloydy could only put the rebound over.

But we didn’t have to wait long for The Azzurri to get on the scoresheet. Big Al intercepted a 28th minute back pass, controlled it and threaded it through a melee of defenders to level it.

We were only level for about a minute though, Garforth taking advantage of some loose defending to regain the lead straight from the restart through Charlie Marshall.

Bradders make sure Garforth didn’t extend their lead with a string of superb saves.

4 minutes before the break, it was all square. Big Al back heeled to Richard Collier and the Colonel’s chip was deflected over a flailing keeper.

Garforth went in at half time with 10 men as their number 7 was sin binned for dissent in time added on at the end of the half. HT 2-2.

The Garforth 10 were ahead on 51 minutes. A Blue clearance came straight back, was crossed deep and picked up by Marshall who fired in from a very acute angle.

2 minutes later, The Azzurris’ response was almost a perfect one when a well-rehearsed corner routine found The Colonel and he hit the post from the edge of the box. If that’d gone in then who knows what might have happened but as it was Garforth turned the screw and took control.

A flurry of half chances followed and Marshall spurned a several others that were far more clear cut.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, an uphill task became nigh on impossible when Big Al was fouled but the red mist descended and he kicked out, receiving a straight red for his trouble.

Bradders did his utmost to keep us within a goal of the home side with 3 or 4 more improbable saves. But there was little he could do in the the 81st minute as Garforth squared to Marshall from the right and he couldn’t miss this time, a tap in completing his hat trick. FT 4-2

We were a competitive outfit in the first half and, despite allowing Garforth too many opportunities, we weren’t out of this game until the last 10 minutes. We go again next time.

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of effort, it was just the decision making that needed a little upgrade. Haighy and The Elk looked to get forward when they could, El Binno and Keano were dogged, and Lloydy (on his 50th appearance for the club) and Big Al (until he was sent off) were industrious. But the Glitterball is a joint award to Callum Bradbury and Richard Collier. Bradders unquestionably kept the score down with a string of crucial saves. And The Colonel was a danger, charging into the box from deep, and he was like a terrier in midfield. Allez, amigos!

TWITTER MOTM – Callum Bradbury takes it from Richard Collier, Josh Haigh and Lloyd Smith. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Callum Bradbury was chosen by Joel Clarkson. Well done, Bradders!

385 through the gate with a decent showing from SESKU. Thank you for your brilliant travelling support!

To hear the thoughts of manager Pat McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 9th January when we travel to Barton Town in the NCEL League Cup, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley