Nostell Miners Welfare v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Nostell MW 4 Frickley 5

An unfortunate own goal by Nostell completed an unlikely second half comeback for The Azzurri. After being three down The Blues had to dig deep and ride their luck, in equal measure, to take a frantic game by the odd goal in nine!

The Blues spent a large percentage of the opening half hour in the Nostell half but a lack of fluency on the plastic at WRCFA HQ meant that we were 2-0 down to a 7th minute long shot and soft penalty on 23 minutes.

The Boys in Blue were far more of a handful in the quarter of an hour before half time with Big Al Keita having three gilt-edged chances to reduce the arrears, all spurned. HT 2-0.

The second period didn’t start well for The Blues as Nostell scored a third whilst the Frickley defence were still finishing their half time oranges.

But two Big Al Keita strikes in two minutes brought the deficit down to a single goal. The first was a penalty, Big Al jumped up to slot away the spot kick himself after he was tripped in the box. Then moments later he netted with a simply sublime finish to end a very nice move.

Big Al then turned provider, setting up an attempt for Fletch, saved, before his pinpoint cross allowed Cleggy to head home an equaliser with 15 minutes left.

Nostell weren’t finished though, going down the other end to win another penalty, duly converted.

As it turned out, The Azzurri weren’t to be cowed either. Ellz M-Anku threaded an inch-perfect pass through to the onrushing Nathan Fletcher who finished like a gimlet-eyed assassin to make it four apiece.

With less than five minutes left on the clock, the previously commanding number 5 for Nostell nodded an inswinging ball past his own keeper to, ultimately, hand us the victory.

There was still time for Jake Hemingway to almost apply a final coat of gloss to the scoreline but his shot hit the outside of the post. FT 4-5.

And breathe….

Preseason, result, meaningless, blah blah blah, but, despite the manager’s understandable post-match chagrin, winning (like losing!) becomes a habit so it’s good to get into good habits early doors.

WEBMASTER MOTM – The performance wasn’t quite as flowing as the previous one at Steeton but there was plenty of character, togetherness and more quality goals to whet the appetite for the season ahead. Honourable mentions for Nathan Fletcher, who showed his versatility and scored an outstanding goal, Morgan James, Rievesy B, Varls, Jake Hemingway and Charlie Clegg, another with a well taken goal. However, the Glitterball has to go to Al Keita. His was an all-action display with two more goals and an assist. Big up to Big Al!

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

We don’t have a game on Saturday but The Blues are next in action on Tuesday when we travel to Ponte Colls, 7.45 pm kickoff, for the next instalment of the El Classicoal and a stern test, no doubt, of our young side’s footballing credentials. Hope to see you all there….