Hallam FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

We made a poor start to the first half & it took us 15 minutes to get going by which time we were 1 down. Our efforts to get back to parity were thwarted by good goalkeeping by Hugo Warhurst & some ‘interesting’ officiating – a Tibor Szakacs style flailing elbow on Szymon Czubik, a kick & a punch aimed at Nathan Fletcher, Harlem Globetrotter style handling in the box from a Ben Hall cross, Rich Collier thrown to the ground in the box – all went unpunished.

We made a poor start to the second half & it took us 15 minutes to get going by which time we were 3 down. At that point we had a literal & metaphorical hill to climb that was to prove too much for us. More good saves from Hugo, but he couldn’t keep out an effort from Czubik who broke through the defence & smashed home.

At the other end Chaz Preston made an incredible one handed save to keep it at 3-1 & then Rich Collier headed narrowly wide – a few inches the other way & it would have set up an interesting last few minutes

So we weren’t at our best yesterday but the fact that the home keeper got the Hallam MOTM award shows that we were creating chances & causing problems in the box

WEBMASTER MOTM – I liked the look of ‘Fast Eddie’ Prata, on debut. Wade Ripley was excellent in driving us forward & Sime Czubik gave the defence all they could handle. Collier & Kofi gave us their usual in midfield & Brandon Burke had a great battle with Tyler Willams. Despite conceding 3, Chaz Preston handled well & pulled off a tremendous save late on. But the 2 standouts were Alex Varley & the best player on the pitch by a country mile Nathan Fletcher & I’m giving the Glitterball to young Fletch.

TWITTER POLL MOTM – Goalkeepers Union was out in force on this one with Chaz Preston taking the vote ahead of Fletch, Czubik & Varley. Wade Ripley also polled. Thank you to everyone who voted.

No interviews as 50% of the Media Team had to dash off & the other 50% was cold & wet & fed up

There is no time for us to feel sorry for ourselves – we go again on Tuesday as we host Emley in a league game, 7.45pm kick off. We will be looking for revenge from the recent FA Vase defeat. Please come & support us in numbers on Tuesday – we need everyone backing the boys to get us the change in fortune that we deserve. Al Keita & Jake Hemingway should be back in the squad after suspension