Recap

Tadcaster Albion 1 Frickley 1

The Blues had to settle for a point at Tadcaster Albion after a dominant second half display was rewarded deep into stoppage time, Sam Cable rescuing a deserved draw before Tom Radley was shown a straight red moments later.

There was little to trouble either goalkeeper during the opening stages, although Cable saw a couple of promising through balls nicked off his toe or forehead at the crucial moment.

It took until the 25th minute before either side could claim anything resembling an opportunity. A ball found Willo, who delivered towards Cable, right in front of goal, only for the flag to go up for offside. 2 minutes later, Cable pulled the ball back invitingly for Andrew, but the Frickley attacker could only swing and miss.

Then, against the run of play, Tadcaster took the lead with their first attempt of the afternoon in the 29th minute. The hosts worked the ball down the left before whipping  a cross into the 6 yard box, which was turned in at the near post by their big number 9.

It very nearly got worse for Les Bleus shortly afterwards when Taddy struck the post from around 20 yards.

Andrew had an opportunity to level from a free kick in the 34th minute, but his effort was blocked by the wall, while ex-Blue Lewis Binns went into the book a minute later for a hefty challenge on Woolly. The resulting free kick also came to nothing. HT 1-0.

The Azzurri returned for the second half with more purpose and immediately put the home defence under pressure. In the 48th minute, Cable combined with Roberts before Roberts crossed towards Spence, whose close range effort shaved the crossbar.

Radz then produced an excellent last ditch tackle in the 56th minute to deny some potential Taddy danger.

The changes began to arrive, with Flanagan replacing Willo and Price coming on for Woolly as the search for an equaliser continued.

With 10 minutes remaining, Flanagan picked out Cable with a cross, but Cable’s header took a deflection and looped over the bar.

Cleggy and Sheard were then introduced for Dacre and Andrew, with Carmody replacing Roberts a minute or 2 later.

Flanagan looked to have created the opening himself in the 83rd minute, skinning the fullback before curling his shot inches wide, although the flag then went up for offside.

The pressure continued. In the 86th minute, Cable produced a fine run and fed Cleggy, whose shot was deflected over.

In the 89th minute a Taddy free kick was poked tamely wide.

The Blues finally got the goal we had been pushing for, 2 minutes into stoppage time, as Flanagan slid the ball across the face of goal and Cable was perfectly placed to slam it into an empty net, sparking relief in the Azzurri ranks and making it 1-1.

There was still time for more late drama. In the 4th minute of time added on, Radz was shown a straight red after fouling a Tadcaster forward on the edge of the box and being adjudged to have been the last man. The resulting free kick offered Taddy one final opportunity, but Allinson came to the rescue with a superb save to preserve the point. FT 1-1.

We hardly gave Tadcaster a sniff, yet the hosts had converted the best chance that came their way. Then there were long periods of midfield attrition but the second half performance deserved something and we eventually got our reward at the death.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we certainly saw an improvement from the FA Cup defeat in midweek at Campion. Radz’s dismissal was sour note after a solid showing. Harry Gagen and Josh Dacre were also steely in defence. Woolly and Spence scrapped away in midfield, and Roberts and Willo were willing runners. The bench proved how vital they are with all 5 playing their part, with Liam Flanagan, in particular, the epitome of an impact sub. However, the Glitterball goes to Sam Cable. He worked like stink all afternoon and still had enough wherewithal to net his 3rd goal in 4 league games in time added on. Superbo, Sam!

TWITTER MOTM – Sam Cable takes it from Harry Gagen, Liam Flanagan and Liam Dacre. Martyn Woolford and Jayden Roberts also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SUPPORTERS’ MOTM – Liam Flanagan was chosen by Gareth  Dando. Well done, Flan!

220 through the gate, with plenty from the Terran Empire of SESKU. Your travelling support was top notch, as usual, we thank each and every one of you!

To see the photo gallery by @keith61ish, click here.

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 22nd August when we travel to Penistone Church, 3pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD