Recap

Liversedge 2 Frickley 0

The Blues travelled to the league leaders and we came home empty handed after 2 Liversedge goals in the last half hour, both of which had a hint of fortune about them. But we gave them more of a game than they bargained for, matching them for long periods, producing a showing full of graft, endeavour and no shortage of defiance.

The Azzurri were fearless from the off. A 2nd minute corner was neatly recycled and found the head of Viggars, but he couldn’t keep his header down. Moments later, a defensive slip allowed Liversedge to pinch possession, but Sykesy was alert and cut out the resulting cross with authority.

After 11 minutes Robbo produced a fleet-footed run down the flank and whipped in a teasing ball. It broke to Price, but the ball wouldn’t come down and he lofted his shot over the bar.

Robbo was involved again shortly after, seeing a shot blocked, before linking with Lindley and Andrew in a flowing move that ended with Andrew dragging his attempt wide.

The Boys in Blue continued to carve out opportunities. Robbo jinked into the box on 23 minutes after a neat exchange with Andrew, only for the keeper to smother at his feet. At the other end, Gadge had to intervene decisively in the middle of a crowded box to clear a dangerous Sedge cross.

As the half wore on, the hosts began to show why they sit atop the table. They flicked the ball around in the area on 43 minutes, but Azzurri bodies threw themselves in the way to block the final strike. Right on the whistle, Sykesy produced a strong save, pushing away a firm angled effort to keep Les Bleus level at the break. HT 0-0.

Collins replaced Viggars for the restart, and the tempo remained high. Kilner was harshly booked early in the half, but it didn’t knock The Blues out of their rhythm. Robbo and Andrew combined again on 52 minutes, Andrew catching a volley sweetly enough but sending it well wide from distance.

Liversedge skied a shot over shortly after, before Robbo was chopped down by George Green, earning the former Blue a deserved yellow. Radz and Andrew both saw efforts blocked in the ensuing pressure from the free kick.

Then came the sucker punch. With The Azzurri looking the more composed side, Sykesy was unsigted as a low skidding shot crept through. He got fingertips to it but couldn’t prevent it nestling in the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead, against the run of play.

The hosts almost doubled their advantage when a wayward cross struck the post. But the 2nd goal did arrive on 79 minutes. It was another stroke of fortune for the home side, ex‑Blue Green hit and hoped from 12 yards out and his shot went past Sykesy’s ear on its way into the middle of the net.

Les Blues kept pushing. Cleggy, on as sub, nearly stole in for a late lifeline on 87 minutes, only to be denied at the last moment. FT 2-0.

The scoreline tells only a fraction of the story. The Boys in Blue went toe‑to‑toe with the champions elect, sometimes literally, and deserved more than we got. Play like that for the rest of the season and we’ll give anyone a run for their money.

WEBMASTER MOTM – despite the result, we played with belief, we battled and we never took a backwards step. The defensive unit was robust throughout, and there’s only one word for Harry Gagen – class! Lindley and Robbo ran their blood to water as they threatened every time they got on the ball while Price and Spence did the dirty work in the engine room. And Woolly, Mick and Nick, we see you – the new formation looked very effective. But the Glitterball goes jointly to 3 normally unsung heroes, Sam Kilner, Liam Love and Elliott Andrew. Killer and Mr Loverman looked another level as wingbacks in this new system and Ells Bells linkup play was top notch and had his best game in a Blue shirt. Congrats, compadres!

TWITTER MOTM – Harry Gagen takes it from Josh Lindley, Lucas Robinson and Sam Kilner. Charlie Price also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Lucas Robinson was chosen by Lee Sykes. Well done, Robbo!

202 through the gate, with more from the Palatinate of SESKU than you’d expect on a cold midweek trek to Cleckhuddersfax. We thank you for such impressive support!

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

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 7th March when Barton Town are our visitors to The Wezzie, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD