Pickering Town v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Pickering Town 0 Frickley 2

Pickering Town belied their league position to give The Blues a very tough night. But goals from Big Al Keita and The Colonel, Richard Collier, and a goalkeeping masterclass from Callum Bradbury ensured that we returned from North Yorkshire with all 3 points.

In the starting lineup, Rieves Boocock came in for Collier who moved to the bench, and Isaac Jeffreys replaced the injured El Binno on the subs’ list.

Early doors, the two sides traded half chances with Boocock and Varls having the best of it for The Blues.

However, it was The Azzurri who drew first blood, just before the half hour mark. Alisson Bradbury hit a long ball from his area, Big Al then beat the advancing home keeper to the bounce with a flying kung fu kick. The ball looped over the keeper, hit the bar and dropped down over the line, the backtracking defender making sure by smashing the ball into his own net.

Shortly after, Rieves found himself one on one with the keeper but couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet.

Then the last 10 minutes of the half were all about Golden Gloves as he made 3 or 4 great saves. He was ably assisted by his defence who put their bodies on the line to block several shots after Pickering had hit the bar on the stroke of half time.

In and amongst this action, Varls was sin binned for making comment on the ‘interesting’ officiating. HT 0-1.

Two minutes after the break, Lloydy set up Morgan James but he fired narrowly wide.

Just as Frickley were back to 11, as Varls came out of the sin bin, Pickering’s number 4 took his vacated seat, so they were down to 10 for 10 minutes instead. This was par for the course as there were 9 bookings in the game and should have been more, based on what had previously been awarded a yellow. As I said, ‘interesting’.

More chances came and went for Big Al, Lloydy and Fletch (on as sub).

Then in the 69th minute, a training ground corner paid off as Morgan James assisted Lloydy to tee up The Colonel who hit a rasping drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Pat and Blake – we see you!

That should’ve been that but the home side kept coming and Bradders had to be on his mettle to keep them out with a couple more top stops. FT 0-2.

A feisty game, a battling performance and another 3 cherries. Loved it.

WEBMASTER MOTM – I could make a case for just about anyone here. It was a real team effort and everyone played their part, the bench included. Special mentions though for Jake Hemingway who took some punishment but kept bouncing back, Morgan James, Keanen and Varls were always at the mucky end of the stick, and Lloydy and Big Al did their usual. However, the Glitterball has to go to Callum ‘Alisson’ Bradbury. Another assist, stunning shot stopping and his first competitive cleano for Les Bleus. Great stuff, Golden Gloves!

TWITTER MOTM – The public recognised Callum Bradbury’s massive contribution as he takes it from Big Al, Morgan James and Jake Hemingway. Thanks to all who voted.

The volunteers’ man of the match is Callum Bradbury, chosen by Neil Howden and Gerry Wray. Gerry’s grandson, Jacob (accompanying picture), told me all about Callum’s first half saves. So it’s a well deserved clean sweep of the motms! Well done, Bradders!

125 through the gate, with a sizeable percentage from The People’s Republic of SESKU. Thank you for your fine travelling support!

To hear the thoughts of the assistant manager, Blake Campbell, click here.

The Blues are next in action at Westfield Lane on Saturday, 19th August, when Silsden AFC are our visitors, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley