Recap

Horbury Town 0 Frickley 0

The Blues battled to a hard earned point in a niggly contest at Horbury Town, a game that had a modicum of drama but no goals. Both sides ended with 10 men after some ‘interesting’ officiating that left little room for rhythm or flow.

The tone was set early when, in the 5th minute, Horbury’s number 9 was deservedly shown a straight red card for elbowing El Binno in the face.

The dismissal should’ve handed the initiative to The Azzurri, but this was largely stifled by an opposition that were hell bent on evening up the sides. Horbury threw themselves to the ground whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Their striker went through but then went down theatrically in search of a penalty when he looked to have a better chance of scoring. The ref rightly, although surprisingly, waved play on.

Around the quarter of an hour mark, Destiny saw a shot blocked after a driving run, followed by a spell of pressure from a corner that Horbury eventually cleared. At the other end, a superb defensive header from Jenko denied Horbury a golden opportunity.

Unfortunately, Jenko’s afternoon came to a premature end soon after. A poorly timed 21st minute challenge earned him a straight red card. Extremely harsh, but the ref was clearly swayed by the writhing, screaming Horbury forward and the rest of his team crowding around said official.

The Blues edged it as the more composed 10 men. Robbo’s surging run and cross on 31 minutes was fielded safely by the keeper. LAF left his marker for dead on 34 minutes, though the danger ended with a comfortable catch. A second cross also evaded his teammates.

However, just before the break, Sykesy had to pull off the save of the day to tip over a tricky Horbury free kick. HT 0-0.

The second half was no less scrappy – the slope, the long grass and the fear of making a tackle saw to that.

Destiny’s 51st minute cross was dragged behind his fellow Blues, before we swapped yellows with the opposition. LAF played in Tom A on 68 minutes, but his deflected shot looped kindly into the keeper’s arms.

Horbury offered little threat, with Sykesy comfortably gathering a tame effort being their best attempt on goal.

As the match wore on, both sides made a raft of changes which did little to change matters.

With 8 minutes to go, Horbury mustered one last scuffed effort, easily smothered by Sykesy.

Sub Elliot Andrew came close to making it a dream debut, cutting inside and firing over in the last minute. And Butch drilled narrowly wide in time added on, which was mercifully short, despite 9 substitutions. FT 0-0.

It wasn’t a classic by any means, but it’s an away point that could very well prove valuable in the long run. And 7 points from the last 9 represents a pretty decent return from the last fortnight.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a dogged performance in conditions that conspired to blunt our strengths. Robbo was our biggest threat, although Destiny and LAF gave it a good go. Sykesy, Radz and El Binno were as true as steel and earned that cleano. And big up to Butch and Tom A for putting team before self and playing in several positions. But the Glitterball goes to Harry Gagen and Joel Spence. Gadge stalked the right flank while The Skip prowled the engine room. Spot on, Sp-agen!

TWITTER MOTM – Harry Gagen takes it from Lewis Binns, Joel Spence and Niall Butchart. ‘All of em for doing a shift on a pitch like that’ also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence was chosen by Jerry Wray. Well done, Joel!

181 through the gate, with over 70 from the Realm of SESKU. What a remarkable following! We thank you all!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 11th November when Pickering Town are our visitors to The Wezzie, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD