Silsden AFC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Silsden 4 Frickley 0

The league leaders, Silsden, were clinical in front of goal as they scored 4 without reply to extend The Blues’ losing streak to 5 games  but we didn’t go down without a fight.

There were 3 changes from last week with a debut for Will Sykes in goal and a fifth (!!) debut for the returning Luke Hinsley, plus Keanan Mannings, in for the injured Davison-Hale, and Gelder and Chipamaunga who both moved to the bench.

It wasn’t exactly the start we were after as we went a goal down in just 63 seconds. Our new keeper lost the ball in the low sun as a mishit cross from the left floated over him and into the net.

Silsden had a series of further chances, firing wide when in a good position, more than once, and causing chaos with dangerous balls into the 6 yard box.

It was one of these aforementioned dangerous balls that lead to the hosts second goal in the 25th minute. It looked like there was a foul on the keeper, Sykes, causing the ball to squirt out. The defence tried to hack it away but the loose ball was tapped in by Silsden.

3 minutes later, Silsden hit the post but fortuitously the ball rebounded straight back into Sykes’s arms.

Around the half hour mark, The Azzurri started to carve out some chances of their own. Dillon struck a shot from 20 yards that was pushed away but only as far as Big Al. However, the badly positioned liner wrongly called an offside.

Tom A then went through 1 on 1 with the keeper but hit him with his shot. The loose ball fell to Luke Hinsley who looked sure to score but his shot was cleared by a defender on the line.

Big Al then took the ball to the byline and pulled the ball back for Hinsley to stick in the net but the liner questionably claimed that it had been over the line before the cross.

Hinsley’s looping header from a Joel Spence cross was relatively comfortably held by Silsden’s keeper, ex-Blue Callum Bradbury.

Silsden weathered the storm and had the ball in the net, moments before the break. Fortunately for us, their spectacular overhead kick was disallowed for offside. HT 2-0.

The Blues came out for the second period with the bit between their teeth. Big Al fed Hinsley but the ball got caught under his feet and he could only hit the keeper and then the side netting.

Big Al and Hinsley continued to link up well. A defender got a toe in when they were on the charge and then Big Al crossed but it was slightly behind Hinsley and he volleyed over.

On as sub, Chippy got in on the act, passing to Big Al who cut inside and put his shot just wide.

Athletic this point, the home side were content to hang in there and hit on the break. And they showed how effective that tactic can be by scoring twice in that manner in the 72nd and 83rd minutes, either side of a pair of decent stops by Sykes.

The Azzurri didn’t give up as Big Al got clear in the 86th minute but his attempt hit the upright then he lifted the rebound over the bar. FT 4-0.

We gave it a good go, particularly in the second half, but we didn’t put away our chances and got punished on the break. It’s no good navel gazing though, we have to dust ourselves off and go play for the badge on Tuesday!

WEBMASTER MOTM – the performance was encouraging from the 30 minute mark onwards. The Elk was hard running and pushed up well, and RBH’s distribution was decent. Tom Alngohuru was quick footed and tricky and Big Al was up for it, big time, a constant danger. But I’m giving the Glitterball to Luke The Nuke Hinsley on his return to The Azzurri, his 200th start in a Frickley shirt. He was a menacing presence and you can see he’s going to get goals soon. Lovely stuff, Luke!

TWITTER MOTM – Zav Elkin Sheppard takes it from Big Al Keita, Luke Hinsley and Tom Alngohuru. Jack Cawthorn (and superfan Brogan Murphy) also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Big Al Keita was chosen by Neil Ascough. Well done, Big Al!

268 through the gate, with plenty from the Principality of South Elmsall. Thank you for travelling all that way on another bitterly cold day to support the Boys in Blue for the second week on the trot!

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

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 28th January, when Barton Town are our visitors, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD