Rossington Main FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Rossington Main 0 Frickley 1

Lloyd Smith’s goal just before half time was ultimately enough to win it for The Azzurri. But it took a backs to the wall performance to hold out in the mud and rain against the home side, Rossington Main. This result also saw us leapfrog Rosso and move up into 7th place.

Morgan James returned to the starting lineup to replace the injured Lewis Binns, and Richard Collier came in for Ellz Anku. And Keegan Townrow and new signing Luke Walker were added to the bench. On the other side, there was a familiar look as there were 9 ex-Blues in the squad plus Zeph Thomas and Greg Young on the bench in a coaching capacity.

To the game. The Elk was crossing for Rip to fire across the face of goal as early as the 2nd minute.

It was fairly even from then on, although it was Rosso that had the better chances. A couple of wide attempts were followed by the 18-goal Ross Hannah blazing over when presented with an open net in the 28th minute.

The Blues then cleared a goalmouth scramble and Bradders held a half decent shot.

However, in the 42nd minute it was The Azzurri who got their noses in front. Rip made a surging run down the left before crossing at the second time of asking to the waiting Lloydy who tucked it away with ease. HT 0-1.

After the break, the hosts redoubled their efforts. Bradders made a sharp stop in the opening minute or two. Rosso volleyed over as well.

In the 62nd minute, Varls deflected a Rosso shot onto the post and out for a corner, injuring himself in the process. He was replaced by Keegan Townrow. Immediately into the thick of it, Keegan headed away the corner and the next ball back into the box.

Minutes later, Bradders made a top notch double save and Rosso smashed the loose ball well over.

With just over 20 minutes to go, Keano saw his header, from a Zav Elkin free kick, thud against the base of the post.

The home side continued to push forward but when Bradders or committed defending wasn’t thwarting them then The Azzurri continued to ride their luck, Rosso’s misfiring front line lifting a first shot well over and a hitting a second straight at the keeper, when clean through on both occasions.

Deep into time added on, Ross Hannah must’ve thought he’d got an equaliser but Bradders clawed away his header to preserve the slender lead. FT 0-1

It was a gritty, grotty, dogged battle. And very, very wet. Both sides tried to play football on the rapidly deteriorating surface. Fortunately, despite receiving the superior opportunities, Rosso’s finishing left a lot to be desired. But none of that matters because the 3 cherries were coming back to SESKU with us.

WEBMASTER MOTM – under the cosh for much of the second half but we were never outfought, we defended like our lives depended on it, we were warriors. You could make a decent case for any one of this band of brothers but I’m picking out 2. The under 18s Glitterball goes to Callum Bradbury. I lost count of how many match saving stops he made in treacherous conditions. And the over 18s Glitterball goes to Brandon Murillo – head, tackle, block, clear, and repeat ad infinitum. Bravo boys!

TWITTER MOTM – Callum Bradbury takes it from Brandon Murillo, Josh Haigh and the Alex Varley/Keegan combo. Wade Ripley and Zav Elkin also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Brandon Murillo was chosen by Mark Ainge. Well done, BMDub!

288 through the gate, with a considerable contingent from the United States of South Elmsall. Thanks for coming out on such a wet afternoon to support your local club!

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

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 7th November when we travel to Goole AFC for a NCEL League Cup tie, 7.45 kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

STAT ATTACK:

• That was the first time we’ve kept 3 consecutive clean sheets since January 2020.
• That was only the 3rd time Rosso have been clean sheeted in the league this season.