Recap

Knaresborough Town 6 Frickley 0

The Blues suffered a heavy defeat at Knaresborough, going down 6-0 on an afternoon where a stretched squad and an off key display left us chasing shadows for long spells.

The Azzurri actually had the first half chance of the day, with a scramble in the Knaresborough box inside the first few minutes that the home defence just about hacked clear.

The hosts soon found their stride, though, dragging a shot wide and then going close again when they broke through 1-on-1 and rolled their effort narrowly past the far post.

Baker collected a tame attempt shortly afterwards, but he was then left exposed when he was clattered as he went up for a loose ball. With the ref waving play on, El Binno reacted rapidly to sprint back and clear off the line, keeping the scores level.

Knaresborough continued to apply pressure. A foul on Binnsy went unpunished, the resulting opportunity was blasted wide, and Baker had to save from a corner before the shot on the rebound clipped the outside of the post. Moments later the hosts again broke clean through but again slid their shot wide. And Baker made another good stop.

Azzurri chances were more fleeting. Robbo lifted an effort over the bar. And Destiny was wrestled to the canvas in a move that would’ve made Dave ‘Fit’ Finlay blush. Tom A drove the resulting free kick just wide.

The home side made the breakthrough they’d been threatening, just after the half-hour mark, with a low angled shot by their number 11.

The Blues tried to respond, and Destiny did well shortly before the interval to feed Tom A, whose cross was cleared.

Knaresborough ended the half much the stronger side with 2 goals in the final 2 minutes of the half to rather take the game away from The Blues. A long ball over the top – to a man in a suspiciously offside position – allowed them to square for a simple finish from 10 yards out. Then another turnover down the right led to a low cross and a tap in for 3-0, a second for their number 11.

Baker still had to be on his toes to tip one over in stoppage time to prevent further damage. HT 3-0.

The introduction of debutant Josh Lindley for the restart allowed a change of formation in an attempt to dig ourselves out of this hole. It almost paid immediate dividends as a ball was played into Destiny but it was nicked off his toes as he shaped to shoot. At the other end, The Blues had to hack away a corner a couple of minutes later.

Around 56 minutes, Robbo and Tom A put in promising crosses in quick succession, but both drifted behind the forwards. Soon after, another ball from Tom caused chaos as it ricocheted around the box, yet no one could apply the finishing touch.

Knaresborough regained control again as the half wore on and theit ’ 4th arrived from a corner, courtesy of a firm 76th minute header.

2 minutes later, a high ball struck the crossbar and dropped perfectly for the Knaresborough number 11 to complete his hat trick and extend his side’s lead. Knaresborough’s 6th (and number 11’s 4th!) soon followed, a low shot driven past Baker.

The Azzurri still attempted to play, and Tom A produced a lively run and cross down the flank which was cleared. A late moment of promise came when the home keeper completely miss kicked a clearance and Cleggy pounced, his delivery across the goalmouth finding no blue shirt there to turn it in.

Knaresborough had an effort chalked off for offside in time added on, they missed another clear chance seconds later, and Baker rounded off the match with a pair of very sharp saves to keep the deficit as it was. FT 6-0.

After 6 games unbeaten in 90 minutes, the scoreline probably flattered us. And that was Knaresborough’s first league win, an emphatic one, since they played us in September. So, yes, we’ve definitely had better days. But focus now turns to resetting and responding in the games ahead. We’re Frickley, we go again!

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a disjointed performance but never lacked exertion. El Binno and Spence were dogged and tenacious. Destiny was a tireless runner, despite a lack of service. Robbo and Tom A did their level best to take the game to Knaresborough. Baker kept the score down in goal. And Lindley looked promising. But the Glitterball goes to Harry Gagen who was defiant in the face of adversity. Gallant, Gadge!

TWITTER MOTM – Harry Gagen takes it from Lewis Binns, Joel Spence and Tom Alngohuru. Louis Baker also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Harry Gagen was chosen by Mark Ainge. Well done, Gadge!

121 through the gate, with a goodly number from the Marches of Elmsall. Thank you for your undying support on another of those days!

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

To see the goals, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 25th November when Golcar United are our visitors to The Wezzie in the NCEL League Cup, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD