Parkgate FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Parkgate 3 Frickley 2

Despite The Blues being in control for much of the game, momentary defensive lapses lead to an eventual defeat by the odd goal in 5. However, all 3 of the home side’s goals had more than a hint of controversy about them.

It was an unchanged starting XI and bench from Tuesday’s victory against Thackley. I can’t remember the last time that happened.

There was a minute’s silence before ko for Remembrance Day, immaculately observed as usual.

The game was only 7 minutes old when The Azzurri took the lead. The Parkgate keeper charged out to clear but only hit it as far as Joel Spence and he pinged it straight back into the net from 40 yards.

Gilly forced a flying save from 30 yards and Zav motored down the wing before shooting over when he realised the supporting pack hadn’t caught up with him.

At the other end, HDH held onto a Parkgate shot and they glanced the ball wide after a cross from the right.

In the 38th minute, the ref made one of the first of his ‘interesting’ decisions when Booth cut into the Parkgate box, made to shoot as he was having his shirt pulled, but  Parkgate were awarded a free kick and Booth got an inexplicable yellow card. Parkgate made the most of it by getting the ball upfield quickly and shooting wide, across the goal.

In the closing moments of the half, HDH scrambled away an angled shot and punched a couple of high balls into the mixer back out again. HT 0-1.

It was a slow start to the second period with 10 minutes passing before a chance worthy of the name when HDH got down well to keep out a low shot. Jack Cawthorn also made a stunning last ditch tackle to avert a potential Parkgate opportunity.

On the hour, another ball over the top found the home side’s forward who looked like he brought it down with his arm. He proceeded to take a tumble at the first sniff of contact. Penno awarded. Duly dispatched to level it, rather against the run of play.

The keeper had to make a good save to push away Holden’s rasping drive and the loose ball just evaded the incoming Chippy. And soon after, Chippy squared to Holden and his piledriver went inches over the bar.

Parkgate took an unlikely looking lead after an obvious foul on the defender, prior to putting the ball in the net, in the 75th minute. The liner flagged and consulted with the ref but the ref was clearly heard to loudly say “never a foul”. Interestingly, the ref was the same one who sent off Callum Bradbury for handball after 84 seconds at Emley last season, despite the liner on that occasion informing the ref that Bradders had his arms by his sides.

It was limbs on 82 minutes as one sub set up another for The Azzurri’s equaliser. Willo chased an overhit ball before crossing for Niall Butchart to put it away as he steamed in at the back stick.

But just 3 minutes later the hosts were back in front. The ball was played through to a yards offside Parkgate forward. He was allowed to continue, going one on one with HDH but hit the post. However, the same forward retrieved the loose ball, crossing before tapping in.

The Blues pressed for another equaliser. In time added on, a Parkgate defender handled the ball in the area but this was missed by the officials. The Blues won the ball and crossed, Chippy’s bicycle kick looked like it was in but the keeper plucked it out of the air before it could cross the line. FT 3-2.

That was a tough one to take. We deserved at least a point, but we should’ve dealt with some of the stuff Parkgate threw at us before the officials could even get the chance to make a (debatable) decision. Rome wasn’t built in a day though, so it’s no surprise that Claisseball is going to take more than a week to perfect too. We go again next time.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we didn’t do too much wrong there. Brooky would’ve headed bricks away. Keano, Holden and Spence ratted all afternoon – plus Joel’s goal was a peach, as was The Butcher’s. Varls was in perpetual motion. And Willo was always a threat. However, the Glitterball goes to Jack Cawthorn. He was like a minesweeper, snuffing out danger. Just the job, JC!

TWITTER MOTM – Jack Cawthorn and Joel Spence tied for top spot, jointly taking it from Callum Brook and Keanan Mannings. Josh Haigh also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Callum Brook was chosen by John Doe. Well done, Brooky!

183 through the gate – Parkgate’s biggest home attendance of the season – with the majority from the People’s Republic of SESKU. Thank you for coming down the road to cheer on our Boys in Blue!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Tom Claisse, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 16th November, when when we travel to Pickering Town, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD

#LestWeForget