Recap

Sheffield 5 Frickley 0

The Blues’ foray over the border into Derbyshire ended in a disappointing 5-0 defeat, though the scoreline told only part of the story after a contest that, for long periods, was more competitive than the bare numbers would suggest.

The Azzurri actually started quite encouragingly. With just 40 seconds on the clock, Sam Cable fired over with an early sighter, before a teasing Kilner cross on 6 minutes saw Cable’s header, whilst he was being challenged, drift narrowly over. 2 minutes later, good work from Robbo led to Luis blocking a clearance, the ricochet looping agonisingly onto the roof of the net.

Sheffield obviously carried a threat of their own and forced a series of half chances, but when they did get through, Sykes stood tall, making a superb double save in the 16th minute. At the other end, Butch’s dig from 20 yards went inches wide as The Boys in Blue/Grey pushed back.

The game was finely poised until the 40th minute when Sheffield were awarded a soft free kick. From the delivery by one ex-Blue, Joe West, another ex-Blue, Nathan Whitehead, climbed highest to head in, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at the break. HT 1-0.

The Blue Machine began the second half with purpose as Luis AF skipped past yet another ex-blue Brad Beatson and delivered low into the box, ending with Kilner’s drive deflected wide in a lively passage of play. Robbo’s shot from the corner suffered the same fate.

But the game turned decisively in the home side’s favour in the 10 minutes that followed the hour mark. Sheffield’s number 9 slotted home to double the lead on 62 minutes, before striking twice more in quick succession, turning in from close range on 69 minutes, despite appeals for offside, and repeating the trick from a cross a minute later to complete an 8-minute hat trick.

It was a bewildering spell that left The Blues chasing shadows at 4-0 down. Still, there were chances for a response, Cable beat the keeper to the ball only to see his lob come back off the post, while Destiny, on as sub, blazed over when clean through.

Sykes continued to produce some fine saves, including tipping the ball over the bar with what looked like a fingernail.

Sheffield’s number 9 wasn’t finished, however, and he bagged a 4th goal with a cool finish to round off the scoring with 4 minutes remaining.

The Azzurri plugged away till the end, Sykes making another low stop deep into added time, but the damage had been done in that devastating phase in the second half. FT 5-0.

A difficult afternoon, but it was those 8 minutes of madness that really did for us there. We go again next time.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we weren’t at our best but we weren’t 5 goals worse either. The standouts included Sykes with a string of big saves to keep the score down, Cable who was Frickley’s sharpest attacking threat, and Luis AF, direct and dangerous on the ball. In the engine room, Spence and Butch did their utmost to keep it ticking over. But the Glitterball goes to Takunda Katsere who defended bravely and commitedly under extreme pressure. Top effort, TK!

TWITTER MOTM – Takunda Katsere takes it from Joel Spence, Niall Butchart and Sam Cable. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Joel Spence and Niall Butchart were chosen by Jack Byford and The Family Carr. Well done, fellas!

416 through the gate, with plenty from Sesku-cestershire. We can’t thank you enough for your loyal away support when the going is as tough as it is at the mo!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer for the day, Nick Leadbeater, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 4th October when we travel to Beverley Town, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD