Hallam FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Hallam 2 Frickley 0

The muddy slopes of Sandygate continue to be an unhappy hunting ground as an own goal and a penalty sent The Blues slipping (literally) to a 2-0 defeat against Hallam.

Richard Collier, Brandon Murillo and Ellz Anku came into the starting lineup up in place of the unavailable Keanan Mannings, the injured Keegan Townrow and the rotated Rieves Boocock.

Aside of a Brandon Murillo header over the bar from a Lewis Binns cross, the opening stages were attritional but even. Playing down the hill, The Blues were finding it tricky keeping their feet on an extremely soft surface, but they were going toe to toe with the home side.

Lewis Binns needed extensive treatment after a heavy challenge but was ok to carry on. Unfortunately, Jake Hemingway pulled up minutes later and had to be replaced by Haighy.

On 29 minutes, Hallam had a huge slice of luck when Brandon Murillo slid in to cut out an aimless cross but the ball looped into his own goal. Bugger.

The Azzurri had to do a fair bit of defending to keep it at 1-0. Then on the stroke of half time, ex-Blue Ash Flynn got goalside of his marker, BMDub, and went down very easily under the challenge to win a penalty. Duly converted to leave The Blues with an uphill task in the second half in every sense. HT 2-0.

The Boys in Blue were on the offensive from the off with Lloydy setting up El Binno but his curling shot was inches wide. And The Elk’s cross-cum-shot narrowly evaded the far post.

At the other end, Bradders made a superb point blank save from a header.

El Binno went as close as The Azzurri got all game with a deft chip from 20 yards out, forcing the keeper to stretch to tip the ball over the bar.

The Blues continued to put pressure on the Hallam goal. Big Ank sent a shot past the post from the edge of the box. Rieves, on as sub, lost his footing in the mud as he turned and shot wide, and saw another attempt roll by the upright. However, that killer instinct was never quite there.

Hallam had a couple of half chances but they were wide or were well held by Bradders. FT 2-0.

We played some good stuff in the second half but too often the final pass or general decision making was questionable. We’ll go again next time out though coz we’re The Blues!

WEBMASTER MOTM – the second half performance was much better than the first, and if we’d just stuck one in the net then we’d have got another for sure. Bradders was safe as houses, Varls and The Elk were class, and Big Al was busy. El Binno was on top form, that goal is definitely coming, and The Colonel was dogged. But the Glitterball goes to Morgan James. He was constantly probing the Hallam back line and he was tough in the tackle as well. Just the job, Jamesy!

TWITTER MOTM – Alex Varley takes it from Rich Collier, Morgan James and Big Al Keita. Zav Elkin also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Richard Collier was chosen by one of the ultras, Brogan Murphy. Well done Colonel!

366 through the gate. Thank you for your loyal travelling support on such a grotty evening!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 7th October when we travel to Penistone Church for a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley