Tadcaster Albion AFC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Tadcaster Albion 2 Frickley 4

In an exciting encounter, The Azzurri secured a convincing 4-2 victory against a decent Taddy Albion side.

Pat McGuire shuffled the pack, bringing in Big Al Keita, Keegan Townrow and Morgan James for Boocock, El Binno and Josh Haigh who all moved to the bench. And tactically, Mick Jones moved to centre forward to give the Taddy defenders a seriously physical presence to think about.

The Blues/Turquoises had a perfect start as The Elk charged through and delivered an inch perfect cross to Big Al who made no mistake in netting in the 9th minute.

Taddy retaliated by hitting the inside of the post in the 18th minute. The Blues immediately took the ball down the other end and Big Al went very close, lifting his shot just over the bar.

Taddy’s equaliser came in the 23rd minute when a cross from the left found their forward’s head, giving Callum Bradbury no chance.

The Boys in Blue weren’t cowed by the setback and in the 32nd minute, Big Al threaded a pass through to Lloydy who calmly stroked the ball past the keeper to restore the lead.

Soon after, The Colonel stung the keeper’s palms with a diagonal shot from just inside the area. HT 1-2.

The second half was barely 90 seconds old when The Azzurri extended their advantage. The Taddy keeper was beaten by a long bouncing ball from the foot of Callum ‘Alisson’ Bradbury, and Lloydy took full advantage, nipping in to put the ball into an empty net, scoring his second goal of the game.

The home side tried to make a comeback, but impressive goalkeeping by Bradbury denied them several times throughout the half.

The Elk and Morgan James both went close with a powerful shots from outside the box that went inches wide.

Just when it looked like the game was about done, it all kicked off again in time added on.

A bit of handbags lead to a red card for a Taddy player, but then they managed to score directly from a free-kick, closing the gap to 3-2.

However, The Blues sealed the victory in the dying moments as sub Haighy stormed forward and in a carbon copy of the first goal played a superb ball into the feet of fellow sub Big Ank. He didn’t need asking twice and finished it off with a clinical strike. FT 2-4.

The Azzurri put in a performance of character and cojones, scored 4 quality goals and took our first 3 cherries of the season. I can’t even remember the result from last Saturday, can you?

WEBMASTER MOTM – we were scintillating on the counter attack and solid at the back. Couldn’t really ask for much more. Everyone did their job. Alisson Bradbury was safe as houses. The Elk and Jake H were an object lesson in fullbackery. Varls and Keegan were imperious at the heart of the defence. Keanan Mannings sat in front of the back four like a king on his throne, allowing The Colonel and Morgan to work their magic. Lloydy and Big Al were simply unplayable, no higher compliment. And the subs, El Binno, Rievesy B, Fletch, Haighy and Big Ank slotted in seamlessly and all had impact. What a squad! However, I’m giving the Glitterball to the veteran Mick Jones. Corporal Jones didn’t panic and struck a blow for the Dad’s Army everywhere as he showed that them defenders don’t like it up ‘em. Earned your stripes, Corporal!

TWITTER MOTM – Lloyd Smith takes it from Big Al, Keanan Mannings and Callum Bradbury. Mick Jones, Morgan James, Jake Hemingway and ‘the whole team’ also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

The volunteers’ man of the match was Lloyd Smith, chosen by Penny Wall and Phil Cooper. Lovely stuff, Lloydy!

220 through the gate, with plenty from SE in attendance. Thank you for your remarkable away support, it really does make all the difference!

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

The Blues are next in action at Knaresborough Town on Saturday, 5th August, 3pm kickoff, in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. Wembley, here we come! Hope to see you all there….

(Accompanying photo by Craig Dinsdale)