Silsden AFC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Silsden 0 Frickley 3

Maybe it was new manager bounce, maybe it was new tactics but whatever it was, caretaker boss Martin Beaumont’s charges went at their task with renewed vigour and deservedly ran out 3-0 victors against an attacking Silsden side.

The two Als, Keita and Varley, returned to the starting eleven, replacing Ben Ellison-Tope and Wade Ripley who both moved to the bench alongside new signing Steven Douasse.

The home side drove forward from the off and HDH, recovered from Saturday’s illness, made two or three super stops in the first half an hour to keep The Blues in it.

Equally though, The Azzurri were looking up for the fight and Big Al had a couple of opportunities, shooting over from a Harley Holt cross and having the ball nicked off his toe when he was seemingly clean through.

However, the opener did eventually arrive. On 33 minutes the Silsden keeper shanked an innocuous back pass and Lloyd Smith showed great technique in volleying the awkwardly bouncing ball into the roof of the net.

Silsden continued to put The Blues under pressure but the defensive unit tackled and blocked with gusto. HT 0-1.

The second period was more of the same, and in the 54th minute The Boys in Blue eased any nerves by doubling their advantage courtesy of an oggie. Harley Holt whipped in a free kick, causing chaos in the 6 yard box and the defender knocked it past his despairing keeper.

Fifteen minutes later and it was all over as a contest as Big Al ran the ball in from the halfway line before deftly lifting it over the keeper for number three. More top tekkers for a beautiful finish.

Silsden never gave up and pushed forward to the last but The Azzurri showed maturity in their game management and, almost as important as the win, HDH and the defence finally got the cleano that their performance warranted. FT 0-3.

And breathe! Phew! A top performance gave us our first win in nine games and our first away win since mid-October – safe to say we needed that. Make no mistake, Silsden were no mugs and looked very dangerous going forward but if we play with that passion and commitment every week then the viewing Blue Faithful won’t be disappointed.

WEBMASTER MOTM – a team of superheroes! HDH – The Incredible Hulk, Brandon M, Jake H, Varls and Elliot – Guardians of the Goalaxy, Rich Collier – Captain Marvel, Harley Holt – Green Arrow, Josh Haigh – The Flash, Big Al – Hawkeye, Lloydy – The Spectre, subs Stevy D, Cleggy, Rip, Ben ET and Cullo – The Incredibles. And Martin Beaumont – Professor X. But the Glitterball goes to Lewis Binns – Iron Man. Marvel-lous, El Binno!

TWITTER MOTM – The public agreed with me, obvs, as El Binno takes it from Lloydy, Big Al and Harley Holt. Varls, The Colonel, ‘Everyone’ and Steve Kemp (he did walk a long way!) also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

173 through the gate, with a decent SESKU contingent making the long trip in midweek. Thank you for such amazing support in these uncertain times. We hope the result was just reward for your efforts.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 25th February, when we make the shorter trip to Handsworth for a 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

Don’t forget, if you can’t wait till Saturday for more of The Blues (and who could?) then the U23s play RIASA at The Wezzie tonight, 7.45pm ko. They’re well worth a watch!