Golcar United FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Golcar United 5 Frickley 0

The country singer (and presumably budding football pundit?) Garth Brooks once said “You can’t succeed if you don’t know what losing is.” Well, after a 5-0 drubbing at Golcar, The Azzurri know what losing is so now we can go succeed – it’s nailed on!

In the starting lineup, Zak Kersey came in for Rieves Boocock. Rieves joined Calum Proctor, Jake Lockwood, Jake Hemingway and the returning Bradders on the bench.

Golcar showed their intent when they had a shot deflected behind within the first minute.

The Blues had their only significant chance of the half as early as the 7th minute. The Golcar keeper fumbled a lofted free kick and Big Al almost poked in the spilt ball but hit the keeper.

Shortly after the quarter of an hour mark, Harry Allen made a great save with his legs then pushed the ball out from under the bar from the resulting corner.

The stay of execution was short lived as Golcar scored with an angled shot, beating Allen at the near post, in the 22nd minute.

Golcar’s dominance continued but they couldn’t turn it into goals as their forward got through 1 on 1 with Allen but he made a superb reflex stop. And in time added on, Allen made an amazing fingertip save from a softly awarded free kick. HT 1-0.

The half time tea had hardly cooled by the time Golcar had doubled their advantage. A cross into the box ricocheted about before the loose ball was volleyed in.

10 minutes into the half and the home side had another, heading in from close range.

On the hour, The Azzurri had half a sight of goal when Townrow and James had shots blocked in quick succession. However, the home side broke at speed, forcing another good stop from Allen, and then lifted the rebound over the bar.

The hardworking Golcar side kept up the pressure on the Frickley goal as Allen palmed a stinging drive over and saw a shot sail narrowly wide from the corner. On 66 minutes that work in the final third paid further dividends when a 25 yard shot floated into the top corner.

Golcar went close soon after, heading against the bar from a free kick. They did extend their lead in the 73rd minute, a corner was flicked on and put away at the back post to make it 5-0, a scoreline that did not flatter the hosts.

As the final whistle neared, sub Rieves B was brought down in the area, stonewall penner. Nothing given. But Varls hit the post from a tight angle from the corner, the closest we got to a goal with virtually the last kick of the game. FT 5-0.

A tough watch. We need another quote, this time from the renowned philosopher Wayne Rooney, “I just hate losing and that gives you an extra determination to work harder.” You can be sure that’s where the Boys in Blue are at after that performance. But don’t be too down, it’s a young side and we’ve got a good few injuries at the mo. They’ll take their medicine (literally for some), stick together and give us a reaction next time out.

WEBMASTER MOTM – these are an honest bunch of lads, they won’t need telling that they can do better, and we know they ARE better. Standouts included Tony Onoh, Keegan Townrow, Lloydy and Varls who kept going and never gave up in rather trying circumstances. However, I’m awarding a joint Glitterball to Harry Allen and Morgan James. Hazza kept the score to single figures with some stunning saves, and Jamesy kept plugging away for the full 90 minutes. Respect, chaps!

TWITTER MOTM – Sarah Hearn, the physio, takes it from Harry Allen, Morgan James and Keegan Townrow. Sarah didn’t put a foot wrong all evening. The supporters for travelling to Golcar and Joel ‘Golden Tonsils’ Clarkson also polled votes. Lots of much deserved recognition for the unsung heroes! Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Harry Allen was chosen by Travis Cooper. Well done, Hazza!

268 through the gate with a good following from the Royal Borough of SESKU. Thank you for your support through thick and thin.

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 24th February when Albion Sports are our visitors to The Wezzie for a 3pm kickoff. A final quote, the boxer Kell Brook said “When you win, everything is great but when you’re losing nobody wants to know you, except for the people that really love you.” So let’s all get down to The Wezzie to show The Azzurri that love and spur ‘em on to turn it around! Hope to see you all there…

#forzafrickley