Maltby Main v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Maltby Main 0 Frickley 2

The Azzurri got back to winning ways and moved up to fourth in the table with a quick fire pair of quality goals just after half time, at old rivals Maltby Main.

Finally recovered, Brandon Murillo made his first start of 2023/24, replacing The Elk who was working, and Haighy came in for Jake H who had a twinge in warmup.

For the opening half an hour, the two sides slugged it out, trading blows.  Keegan headed over from a corner, Maltby shot wide, Collier forced a save from a free kick, Maltby shot wide again.

In the 40th minute, The Boys in Blue went closest when Rieves Boocock won the ball with a crunching tackle for Collier to cross, Lloydy volleying inches wide. HT 0-0.

The Azzurri veritably flew out of the blocks after the break. Little more than 90 seconds was on the clock when Haighy slid an inch perfect pass to Rich Collier who hit a rasping left foot drive into the bottom corner. There’s no stopping those when The Colonel pulls the trigger.

3 minutes later and the ball was worked out to Big Al Keita, wide on the left. He floated a peach of a cross into the 6 yard box for Keanan Mannings to plant a bullet header into the top corner and double our advantage.

Another 3 minutes on and Lloydy was bundled over for a penner. However, the Maltby keeper put the brakes on the Blue juggernaut, pushing Lloydy’s spot kick round the post. Hope Lloydy didn’t feel too bad coz it really was a top drawer save.

Stopping a penalty can give a team a boost but the expected Maltby push never fully materialised. Frickley continued to pressurise the hosts as Keegan Townrow powered a header just wide. Big Al also smashed a shot over, just after the hour mark.

With 20 minutes to play, a Maltby defender resorted to performing a tombstone pile driver on Lloydy that would’ve made Mick McManus wince. In fact, I swear I heard the perp say “Not the ears, not the ears”. But only a yellow given.

Soon after, El Binno, on as sub, saw his pot shot from 20 yards saved.

Rievesy B then had to be replaced by Jake Lockwood, making his competitive debut, as a result of a head injury.

For the last quarter of an hour, Les Bleus capably managed the game through to the final whistle without any further dramas. FT 0-2

A sound second half showing, going toe to toe with a robust Maltby side, taking all 3 cherries. That’ll do nicely!

WEBMASTER MOTM – this was a bloomin’ tough one as everyone stepped up a gear after last Friday’s defeat against Garforth. Bradders comfortably picked up another cleano, Varls and Keegan were cool as cucumbers and Haighy was sublime down the left. The Colonel dominated midfield and Morgan James was terrier-like, nipping at heels and probing for weaknesses. Big Al and Lloydy simply tormented the opposition defence to distraction, whilst Rievesy B had one of his best games in a Blue shirt, and his bravest as he came off with a bandaged noggin. And it was tremendous to see Brandon Murillo return from injury and play like he’d never been gone. But the Glitterball goes to Keanan Mannings. Sat in front of the back four, he controlled the engine room then goes and scores one of the best headers you’re likely to see this season. Magnifico, Mannings!

TWITTER MOTM – The comeback king Brandon Murillo takes it from Alex Varley, Keanan Mannings and Big Al Keita. Richard Collier and Rieves Boocock also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Keanan Mannings was chosen by volunteer and Head of Global Communications Michael Johnson. Well done, Keanan! 👏 🏆

150 through the gate. Thank you for your brilliant and vociferous support!

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

The Blues are next in action at Westfield Lane on Saturday, 16th September, when Eccleshill United are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley