Nostell Miners Welfare v Frickley Athletic

Recap

DRIVING HOME 4 CHRISTMAS…..

After a recent run without a W & shipping a few goals in the last couple of games, last night could have been a tougher test than we might have envisaged – but the boys stepped up with a display of professionalism & panache akin to Jackie ‘Mr TV’ Pallo repelling the efforts of the likes of Cyanide Sid Cooper on Saturday afternoons of yesteryear

A few members dropped out of the reckoning due to being unavailable / injured / cup tied so Murillo, James & Elz Anku came into the starting 11

As early as the 7th minute, the home keeper demonstrated his love / hate affair with the aeriel ball. He flapped at a Mannings long throw – not unlike a nervous maiden trying to usher an insouciant moth out of her bed chamber – & the deflected ball just eluded Lloyd Smith who would have had the simplest of tasks. Not to worry, from the ensuing (Lloyd Smith) corner, Elz had a goal bound shot blocked…..by Big Al – who then swivelled & smashed home from close range

A couple of wobbly back passes almost gave Lloyd the opportunity to add to our lead – then The Elk screamed one inches wide from distance & Mr Smith almost bent one in from the edge of the box

The quintet of Elkin, James, Kersey, Mannings & Anku were dominant during this period but we had to wait until 5 minutes before the half time pomelos before we added to the score – but it was well worth the wait

Nostell cleared the ball but it dropped to Morgan James about 25 yards out – 1 touch to control it, another to send a glorious effort past the keeper – top bins, right on the postage stamp. His goal celebration was something to behold too – not for him the gaudiness of an arm akimbo Shearer, or a leap into the crowd or a knee slide – he just stood there inhaling the admiration of the Frickley hordes with a look on his face that said ‘that’s what you’ve paid to see’ – the confidence & braggadocio of a Cantona or Eubank (Snr)

As expected Nostell came out with elevated intent in part 2 – but the back line were robust & resolute, allowing Bradders to read a few more chapters of ‘I,Bonetti’ whilst thumbing the Reusch catalogue for items to add to his, & our Ruths, festive wish list

Varls looked to have added to the lead but it was ruled out for offside & then Nostell were awarded a very dubious penner – Bradders saved the original attempt but couldn’t keep out the follow up.

Would that give Nostell the impetus to stage a comeback???? No – because we went straight down the other end & showed everyone what a stonewall penner looks like.

A defence splitting ball to Big Al who skipped away from his markers & was just about to pull the trigger when a defender tried to convert him in to a Douglas Bader tribute act! The easiest of penalty awards & the straightest of straight reds – it was so straight that the in absentia Whitehead (who was frolicking in a ball pool in a Wacky Warehouse in deepest Garforth for his youngest offsprings birthday) was able to call it. At least the Nostell defender will be able to enjoy the festive celebrations to the max as he won’t be troubling the starting squad for 3 games – up there for thinking, down there for hacking down strikers as my dad used to say. Unfortunately Big Al had to be replaced as a result of his injury

Lloyd Smith casually sent the keeper the wrong way with the spot kick – his 1st & our 3rd of the evening

At this point the game was over as a contest, bringing about a flurry of activity from our bench as Haigh, Rip, Proctor, The Colonel & Hendrickson-Eastwood came on as replacements – & Thierrys first touch was a delicious defence splitting peach of a ball to set Lloydy free & he added to his & our tally as calmly as you like to make it 4-1 which was the final score

So a strong performance to calm the nerves & build confidence for the upcoming flurry of games – it also sees us through to the next round of the Sheffield Cup where we will host Stocksbridge at the Wez – date TBC

Finally a mention for the ref – Megan Wilson – who was in fine order, & followed in the footsteps of Sian Massey & Rebecca Welch who have all reffed the Azzurri with great aplomb in recent years

WEBMASTER MOTM – having already referenced the performances of a quartet of players it has to be noted that this was a strong team performance. The back line was back to something like their usual levels, the midfield engine purred through the gears & up top Elz, Lloyd & Big Al were excellent. Special mention to Zav Elkin who started in an unaccustomed left back role, briefly switched to his usual right back position & then ended the game at centre half. But the Glitterball goes to Morgan James for his all round performance, his goal & his celebration

TWITTER POLL MOTM – everyone loves a goalscorer so Lloyd takes the supporters vote, from Morgan, with Zak Kersey & The Elk tucked in behind them. Thank you to everyone who voted

VOLUNTEERS MOTM – the mighty Mr Wray picked out Lloyd Smith – can’t argue with that

Here are the thoughts of The Gaffer

93 through the gate & a very big chunk of that number were SESKU – thank you for your support

& if all that has whet your appetite for some more – you’ve got options! Our U23s are at home to Ilkley at the Wez tomorrow night (7:45pm), the first team are away to Silsden on Saturday 23rd (always good to have numbers at away games) & then the first of the festive fixtures as we host Goole on Boxing Day (3pm)