Handsworth FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Handsworth 2 Frickley 1

The rollercoaster ride that is being a Blues fan continued at Handsworth. Up – the joy of a dominant second half showing and a last minute goal, followed by down – the even later concession of a Handsworth winner. The Ultimate’s got nothing on following Frickley!

There were 4 changes to the starting lineup from Saturday, a debut for Jack Cawthorn in defence alongside returns for Brook, Elkin Sheppard and Guilfoyle. Cooper, Holden and Tomlinson moved to the bench and Rose was unavailable.

Handsworth had a couple of early shots, one of which hit the side netting before opening the scoring with a bizarre and avoidable goal.

The ball looped up and into the goalmouth and Handsworth’s number 9 beat Hewitson to it, heading in from a yard out.

Handsworth continued to threaten, flashing a cross across the face of goal for ex-Blue Ollie Fearon to blast over. And on the half hour they dragged a shot wide.

Keano lead the rearguard action in the run up to half time, chesting down for Varls to fire well wide and grazing the post from 25 yards with a shot of his own. HT 1-0.

The Azzurri were a different kettle of fish after the break. The Elk soon robbed another ex-Blue Tyler Williams, then fed Cleggy whose resulting effort was deflected into the side netting.

Jack Cawthorn saw his pea roller comfortably fielded and The Elk beat Tyler to the ball again but volleyed over.

Just before the hour, the hosts got a break but Hewitson saved well with his feet.

Gilly received a ball over the top which he controlled nicely but he couldn’t get any power in his attempt on goal. Gilly was in the midst of the action again when Tommo, on as sub, hit a rasping drive that the keeper pushed away, going out after bouncing off Gilly’s knee.

With about 5 minutes left, Varls went on a lung busting run but his  cross was flicked away from danger.

Time was just about up and it was looking like a defeat was on the cards when Jack Cawthorn powered in a header from a corner to equalise. Ecstasy!

Not for long though, turns out it was still a defeat. We were still basking in the after glow as Handsworth took the ball down the other end, straight from kickoff, and scored. Despite clearing off the line, the ball went directly back to the number 9 to slot in. FT 2-1

As agonising as it was, it was a better display than Saturday, and we all hope there will come a point when this late goal lesson will stick. So with that in mind, we need to grit our teeth and come out fighting coz, damn it, we’re Frickley!

WEBMASTER MOTM – a much improved performance is the positive we have to take from this one. Standouts included Keano who was terrier-like, snapping at Handsworth heels, Varls was constantly probing the back four for weaknesses and Will Sutton never took a backwards step either. But the Glitterball goes jointly to Jack Cawthorn and Zav Elkin Sheppard. Debutant Jack was a vocal but calming presence at the heart of defence and his goal would have made Danny South and Chris Salt proud. And The Elk lead the Handsworth fullback a merry dance, giving him a torrid time. Salut, chaps!

TWITTER MOTM – new boy Jack Cawthorn takes it from Zav Elkin Sheppard, Keanan Mannings and Jack Varley. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Jack Cawthorn was chosen by birthday boy Phil Cooper. Well done, JC!

135 through the gate, with a goodly following travelling over from the People’s Republic of South Elmsall. Thank you for your amazing away support on a chilly midweek evening.

To hear the thoughts of manager, James Baxendale, click here.

To Ken Allsebrook’s match photos, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 5th October, when Golcar United are our visitors ,3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD