Recap

Parkgate 2 Frickley 2

The Azzurri came away from Parkgate with just a point, but the 2-2 scoreline scarcely told the story of a game in which we were dominant from start to finish. Relentless in attack, composed in midfield, and largely untroubled at the back, Los Azules created enough chances to win 2 or 3 games. Instead, we were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, with questionable officiating once again playing a very significant part.

From the first whistle, The Blues were imposing. Inside 2 minutes, Spence almost produced the perfect start, hitting a strike from 20 yards that fizzed narrowly over. Minutes later, Woolly and Luis AF combined cleverly down the flank, and Luis’s cross was cut out.

Parkgate struggled to get out of their own half, and when they did on 13 minutes, Gagen was alert to snuff out the danger after the onrushing Sykes was bypassed.

However, in the 15 minute came the first of the day’s contentious moments. A Parkgate forward pushed Radz to the ground with a 2 handed shove before going on to score. To the disbelief of the players, bench, and travelling support, no foul was given, and The Blues were a goal down.

The setback didn’t dent the rhythm of The Blues Band. Luis AF, lively throughout the half, bent in a teasing cross, before forcing the goalkeeper into an awkward save with a swerving effort from distance. Ceesay’s low free kick tested the Parkgate stopper too, but the finishing touch eluded The Boys in Blues.

Then, on 34 minutes, Parkgate doubled their advantage with only their third meaningful chance of the half. A cross-cum-shot looped onto the crossbar and fell kindly for the hosts, then with Frickley slow to close down the rebound, the ball was pulled back and tucked away from close range through a crowded box.

Ceesay looked to have halved the deficit almost immediately, racing through and burying his finish, only to be flagged offside. Not. In. A. Million. Years.

Still, The Blue Tide could not be denied. Woolly and Luis both put in balls that kept the pressure on the home side.

On the stroke of half time, Robbo’s jinking run was crudely ended inside the area, and this time the ref had no choice but to point to the spot. Woolly stepped up and hammered home with authority to send us in on a positive. HT 2-1.

The Azzurri emerged after the break with a determined glint in their eyes, and within 10 minutes the game was level thanks to a moment of sheer brilliance. Tom Alngohuru let fly with a thunderous effort from fully 25 yards, sticking it right in the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. Another goal of the season contender, right there.

With momentum now firmly with The Blues, they swarmed forward. Tom A drilled a dangerous low ball across the face of goal, Robbo and Ceesay combined to create shooting opportunities, and Woolly’s deliveries from set pieces caused chaos in the Parkgate box. Jenko and Radz both went close with headers, while Gagen saw a powerful effort beaten away after neat build up involving Ceesay and Tom A.

Luis AF continued to torment the Parkgate defence, twisting and turning before whipping in arguably his finest cross of the day, only for it to flash across goal untouched. Soon after, he went close himself with a low drive that was blocked, before Woolly’s follow up shot was well saved.

Chance after chance came and went. Radz saw a header deflected wide, Ceesay nodded across goal with no one on hand to convert, and Robbo tested the keeper from range. With Destiny replacing Ceesay late on, Frickley threw everything forward in search of a winner, while at the other end Sykes remained alert to smother a rare Parkgate break.

Even as the game ticked into the final minutes, Frickley’s intent was clear. Jenko galloped forward from deep, releasing Luis AF who lifted his shot just over, while Robbo and Woolly both forced further late saves. Parkgate, by contrast, had to rely on a couple of long shots going harmlessly over in the closing stages. And a desperate shout for a penalty that was immediately waved away. FT 2-2.

Despite overwhelming superiority, The Blues couldn’t find a winner, leaving us to reflect on 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained. From a game where we were 2-0 down, that’s a measure of our attacking fluency and tireless running.

# STAT ATTACK #

1) The penalty was Martyn Woolford’s first competitive goal for The Blues in 19 years and 2 weeks!

His last goal before that was scored in a 3-2 home win against Whitby Town in August 2006. That gives him the Frickley record for longest time between goals for Frickley!

2) Woolly scored his 1st goal for the club in September 2005, 19 years and 50 weeks ago, in a 2-1 away win at North Ferriby United. That gives him the Frickley record for longest Blues’ career goalscoring span!

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was a one-sided affair that, ref notwithstanding, I can’t believe we didn’t win. We were winning our duels all over the park. Kilner and Gagen were class and didn’t put a foot wrong. Spence was metronomic and Woolly was like a quarterback, pulling the strings. Ceesay got better and better as the game progressed. And Luis was fleet footed in the extreme. But I’m giving the Glitterball jointly to Tom Alngohuru and Lucas Robinson. Their feet were a blur as they lead the Parkgate defence a merry dance. Respect, Robbohuro!

TWITTER MOTM – Martyn Woolford takes it from Tom Alngohuru, Lucas Robinson and Sam Kilner. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Lucas Robinson was chosen by Chris Lewis and Mick Holmes. Well done, Robbo!

150 through the gate – Parkgate’s biggest home gate of the season so far – with a considerable percentage from the Pays de SESKU. Thank you for your fervent and devoted travelling support!

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

To see the full photo gallery by Pixel Perfect Photography, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 9th September when Knaresborough Town are our visitors to The Wezzie, 7.45 kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD