Goole AFC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Goole AFC 2 Frickley 1

There wasn’t much joy for The Blues at The Victoria Pleasure Grounds as they went down 2-1 in this six-pointer at fellow strugglers Goole AFC.

In the first half, Goole looked to be on a new manager bounce as they drove wide from 25 yards as early as the 7th minute. The Vikings remained camped in The Blues’ half and when their forward went down (easily) on the edge of our box it wasn’t against the run of play to see them score direct from the resulting free kick in the 18th minute.

Ben Ellison-Tope hit a cross-cum-shot, our first attempt on goal in the 23rd minute but less than 60 seconds later Goole had doubled their advantage when a cross was headed in at the back post.

The majority of the rest of the half was scrappy, with The Blues knocking it long and losing possession too cheaply.

The only other chance of note came just before the break, Rich Collier glancing a header wide of the post from a free kick. HT 2-0.

The big positive was that The Blues were always going to be better in the second half because it wasn’t possible not to be. And so it proved as The Boys in Blue piled on the pressure.

Collier had his free kick very well saved two minutes into the half.

The Blues were back in it on 53 minutes, a nice move culminated in Big Al Keita crossing to Lloyd Smith who controlled it before tucking it away from 6 yards out to score his second goal in two games for Frickley.

Goole had their moments but The Azzurri had the upper hand for the closing half an hour. Big Al, Simmo Czubik, Cleggy and Lloydy continued to work hard to create something but all came to nought as balls were overhit, underhit or just generally missed their mark. And the Goole keeper presumably put in one of his better performances, his stop from Czubik’s header being crucial. FT 2-1.

That was a hard watch but we’re going to have to suck it up and the lads are going to need to show a response next time out.

WEBMASTER MOTM – not our finest hour (and a half). But as mentioned, the front four were constantly looking to eke something out of not a lot and Lloydy showed great composure in taking his goal. Ben Hall looked to get forward at every opportunity. At the back, Varley and Fletch were strong in the main, as was El Binno when he came on. However, I’m giving The Glitterball to Big Al Keita who again ran his blood to water for the cause and all the best stuff involved him. Big up, Big Al!

TWITTER POLL MOTM – Lloyd Smith wins for the second time in a week, with Fletch, Ben Hall, Al Keita, Kofi and Alex Varley also receiving votes. Thanks for voting.

301 through the gate with plenty in attendance from SE. We thank you for your loyal support through this tough spell.

You can watch highlights of the game by clicking here.

We are next in action next Saturday, 26th November, when we take on Maltby Main at Westfield Lane, but please note that this is a 1.30pm kickoff.

Also, weather permitting, the U23s – who are always worth watching – are up against Doncaster Elite on Tuesday evening, 7.45pm ko.