Knaresborough Town FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Knaresborough Town 2 Frickley 0

Two goals for the hosts in an error strewn first 20 minutes were followed by a disjointed remainder of a game that saw both sides finish with 10 men.

The Blues were unchanged from the team that started in midweek against Pickering. Josh McLaughlan, who has re-signed for the club, was on the bench. Love and condolences to Ash Butterworth who had a family bereavement before the game.

Bradders made a good save with his legs as early as the 3rd minute.

At the other end, Keegan flicked on a throw to Walker, he headed down for Boocock who shot over the bar.

In the 6th minute, Keegan failed to get his laces through a ball in the 6 yard box, and it fell to a Knaresborough forward to slot it in to open the scoring.

Knaresborough kept up the pressure, shooting over and heading wide.

The situation worsened for The Azzurri in the 20th minute when a Knaresborough forward, played onside by The Elk, was allowed to run clear, round the keeper and tap in to double his side’s advantage.

Other than Knaresborough firing wide from 20 yards and putting a header well over, the half settled into a rather scrappy affair.

Late in the half, Morgan James was yellow carded for nothing more than robustly attacking a 50:50 ball, definitely not a foul. However, the threat of a second card then stifled his natural game. HT 2-0.

After the break, it was more of the same. Bradders saved again with his legs at the edge of the box in the opening minutes of the half.

The first real chance of a goal came near the hour mark after a nice passage of play that ended with Collier grazing the bar and hitting the stanchion behind the goal.

The ‘interesting’ officiating continued with a stream of cards. The 2 red cards in less than 10 chaotic minutes had a sense of inevitability about them.

On 73 minutes, the ref missed a blatant handball by a defender in the Knaresborough box but awarded a free kick against The Azzurri. Following the very next play, and with emotions heightened, Lloydy was initially sin binned then shown a straight red card for dissent.

7 minutes later and the sides were evened up as a Knaresborough player saw red for swinging a fist at Jamesy.

In time added on, the home side headed narrowly over from a free kick, and Collier hit a rasping drive just past the post. FT 2-0.

In the second half, we certainly shored it up and even had the better chances. But we’ll need a reaction and an improved showing next time out if we’re to get something from the game.

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a fragmented and untidy performance but not without some standouts. Bradders was largely a safe pair of hands (and legs). Jamesy was terrier-like, skirmishing as best he could with a yellow card hanging over his head. Luke Walker and Big Al toiled away, without let up, up front. And Jake Hemingway looked lively when he came on. But The Glitterball simply has to go to Richard Collier who showed what it meant to pull on a Frickley shirt. He covered so much ground that he could barely walk off the pitch at full time and he looked the most likely to unlock the Knaresborough defence. We salute you Colonel!

TWITTER MOTM – Richard Collier takes it from Morgan James, Callum Bradbury and Luke Walker. Jake Hemingway and Zav Elkin also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Richard Collier was chosen by The Ainge Posse – Bill and Mark. Well done, Colonel!

140 through the gate with a good percentage from SESKU. Thank you for your dedication in supporting The Blues on the road (Brogan and Chris had particularly disrupted journeys so thanks fellas!).

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

The Blues are next in action on Wednesday 13th March when we travel to Albion Sports for a 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there…