Recap

PSF1 – Hemsworth MW 2 Frickley 4

The Blues made the perfect start to their 2026/27 preseason campaign with a commanding 4-2 victory over local rivals Hemsworth MW, producing an eye-catching first half display that ultimately proved too much for the hosts.

The Azzurri needed just 5 minutes to take the lead, and it came in spectacular fashion. Sam Cable collected the ball around 20 yards from goal before unleashing an unstoppable strike that flew beyond the helpless goalkeeper to put Frickley 1-0 in front.

Les Bleus continued to dictate proceedings and almost doubled the advantage on 10 minutes when Sam Kilner tried his luck from 25 yards, only to see his powerful effort cannon back off the post.

The second goal duly arrived in the 13th minute following an excellent flowing move. Woolly delivered a raking pass out to Willo on the flank, and his inviting cross was expertly met by Andrew, who glanced a fine header into the net.

The Boys in Blue were playing with confidence and added a third on 20 minutes. Cable cut inside from the left before whipping a superb low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Frickley weren’t finished there. In the 28th minute, Cleggy unselfishly squared the ball to Andrew in space, and he made no mistake, calmly guiding home his second of the evening to make it 4-0.

Cable thought he had sealed a brilliant individual display by completing his hat trick on 33 minutes with a smart finish from another Willo cross, but the liner’s flag denied him.

Hemsworth pulled a goal back in the 35th minute when a cross was headed home, leaving Edjangue with no chance despite his best attempts to get a hand on it.

There was a concern before the interval as Cable was forced off with a knock, bringing an end to an outstanding opening half performance from the popular forward. HT 1-4.

It was a much changed Frickley side that emerged for the second period. The personnel included plenty of new and youthful faces given the opportunity to impress as preparations for the new campaign continued. And in attire, the all grey away kit was swapped for a natty combo of grey socks, white shorts and the yellow away shirt from the days of Haze, Margs and Wellsy.

For the majority of the half, The Azzurri remained in control of possession and played some nice football, although, like the home side, could not carve out any clear cut opportunities.

The Hemsworth goalkeeper was called into action in the 74th minute, producing an excellent save to prevent The Blues from extending the lead.

The hosts did reduce the deficit on 76 minutes when a ball into the penalty area found its way to the back post, where a Hemsworth forward was on hand to stab home from close range.

The Blues almost responded in the 78th minute when a teasing cross was headed back into the danger area before an acrobatic bicycle kick flashed narrowly wide of the target.

However, there were no further goals before the final whistle as The Azzurri saw out the remainder of the game. FT 2-4.

We played some attractive football, scored some goals, got some minutes in the legs. Job done. Blimey, I’ve missed this!

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was a plethora of impressive performances but the standouts were Tyler Sheard at left back, the boys up top with 2 goals apiece, Sam Cable and Elliott Andrew, and the rapid curly haired second half left winger. However, I’m showing a bit of early season decisiveness here and awarding the glitterball to a new boy in our defence, Josh Dacre. Judgment Dacre played the full 90 minutes and barely put a foot wrong. Jawohl, JD!

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Charlie Clegg was chosen by Nick Leadbeater because, I quote ‘he’s stood next to me’. The shift he put in might’ve contributed a bit too 😉 Well done, Cleggy!

The game was well attended and the Blue Faithful were out in force for this short hop down the road, and they were in fine voice as well. We thank you for your support and a rousing start to preseason.

The Blues are next in preseason action on Tuesday 7th July when we travel to Club Thorne Colliery, 7.30pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD