Recap

Golcar United 2 Frickley 0

A bitterly cold evening, accompanied by a gusting wind, made conditions difficult for both sides as Frickley travelled to Golcar United, but it was the hosts who eventually claimed the points with 2 late goals in a frustrating 2-0 defeat for The Blues.

The Azzurri had sight of goal in the 6th minute when Cable fed Grist, who struck his shot early and forced the Golcar keeper to push the ball around the post. The hosts responded 2 minutes later with a shot across the face of goal, before SEB saw the ball drop kindly for him in the 15th minute. He got his shot away, only for the ref to penalise Grist for a supposed foul.

Golcar threatened again 3 minutes later, but Kilner was on hand to tidy up the danger, while Harold gathered a cross-cum-shot in the 22nd minute.

The contest took what might have been a significant turn in the 29th minute when Golcar’s number 4 went in with a 2-footed tackle on Price. The ref had little hesitation in producing a straight red card, leaving the home side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Frickley looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage but never quite did.

Cable turned smartly before shooting narrowly wide in the 34th minute.

And the final notable incident of a goalless first half came in stoppage time, when SEB received a yellow card following a theatrical tumble by the Golcar keeper after said keeper charged into SEB’s outstretched leg. HT 0-0.

Walker and Cleggy replaced SEB and Cable at the interval as Los Azules looked to make their extra man count. However, Golcar were first to show intent after the restart, shooting wide in the 46th minute before a corner flew through the penalty area at waist height without anyone getting a touch. Harold then comfortably gathered a long range attempt in the 49th minute.

The Blues were left incensed in the 56th minute when Lloydy was poleaxed as he played the ball through to Walker. Walker had two attempts at goal, but the keeper saved both, with the ref appearing to have not seen the challenge on Lloydy. Price dragged a shot wide 4 minutes later before Lewis O’Connor came on in his place to make his Blues debut.

Golcar then barged into Harold as the Frickley keeper dealt with a high ball in the 63rd minute, but the danger was cleared. A minute later, however, the home side took the lead. Harold rushed out to deal with the situation, but Golcar worked the ball across goal and a header struck the post before crossing the line to make it 1-0.

The Azzurri had a shout for a penalty in the 66th minute when LOC was pulled back inside the box, but appeals were dismissed. LOC was subsequently booked in the 74th minute for an offence that appeared to warrant little more than a word.

Lea Bleus continued to search for an equaliser, and their frustration deepened in the 78th minute when Walker picked out Lloyd, who was scythed down inside the box. Once again, nothing was given.

Golcar blazed over a minute later, while Humphreys replaced Spence as The Blues made another change.

Harold produced a good save in the 85th minute and followed it up with another fine stop a minute later, initially keeping The Azzurri in contention. Yet the reprieve proved temporary. Golcar’s corner in the 89th minute was only cleared as far as the number 10, and his deflected shot flew into the bottom corner to double the home side’s advantage.

There was still time for late drama. A goalmouth scramble in the first minute of stoppage time ended with Golcar clearing their lines, before Cleggy had two opportunities in the 4th additional minute. His first attempt was saved by the keeper, and the rebound was cleared off the line by a defender. FT 2-0.

It was a disappointing outcome for Les Bleus, who had played against 10 men for more than an hour but were unable to make the numerical advantage count. With several contentious decisions adding to the discontent, the late goals made the final score particularly hard to swallow. Now we regroup, reflect and react next time out!

WEBMASTER MOTM – the back 4 were the standouts because they were under constant attack with barely a chance to catch their collective breath. So the Glitterball goes jointly to Sam Kilner, Josh Dacre, Will Jenkinson and Liam Love. They defended like demons and could’ve done little more than they did about the result. We salute you, Ki-Da-Je-Lo!

VOLUNTEERS’ MOTM – Sam Kilner was chosen by a majority of the Blues volunteers at the game. Well done, Sam!

330 through the gate, with plenty present from the Great Plains of  SESKU! We thank you all for coming all that way on such a wild night!

To hear the thoughts of the assistant gaffer, Rhys Meynell, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 31st October when Pickering Town are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD